President Donald Trump’s recent tour of this turbulent region cannot be interpreted in isolation but must be framed within a context of extraordinary strategic complexity. Indeed, publications like Le Monde describe it as an inflection point, a departure from “nation-building” and military interventionism, replaced by a strategy of accord and commerce.
The tour, hailed as a success even by prominent Democratic figures such as Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), his party’s ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, marked a watershed moment in regional geopolitical and economic relations. Nevertheless, criticisms were not absent, emanating from pro-Israel conservative circles in the United States. Even some British analysts, such as Douglas Murray—writing curiously for the New York Post, a publication owned by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner—appeared to leverage the situation to grandstand and promote his book in the U.S. These critiques particularly targeted President Trump’s close confidant, Steve Witkoff, who transitioned from Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East to a broader role covering all conflicts. Witkoff was unjustly accused, by Murray among others, of once again capitulating to Iran. Donald Trump Jr. came to Witkoff’s defense, denouncing his critics as “ultra-conservative, hawkish, anti-MAGA neocons,” adding, “the neocons are obsessed with war.”
In truth, Witkoff has designed a clear and robust strategy to avoid repeating the missteps of Obama’s nuclear deal (JCPOA), a pact that, according to the most reputable analysts, dangerously strengthened the most radical factions within the Iranian regime. The current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was unequivocal in stating that any new agreement would require Tehran to renounce its support, training, financing, and use of its execrable proxies (Hezbollah, Hamas, or the Houthis) and to dismantle its uranium enrichment facilities. Any nuclear fuel, if required, must be imported and strictly controlled. Trump asserted he would secure a deal permanently blocking Iran’s access to nuclear weapons, to be achieved “by amicable means or, failing that, by ‘the hard way,'” clarifying that “the hard way” would entail economically crushing Iran, not militarily.
One of Trump’s most audacious and surprising maneuvers was the lifting of sanctions on Syria (at Saudi instigation) and his acceptance of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s (MBS) mediation to meet with provisional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. This unprecedented move is aimed at stabilizing Syria after decades of dictatorship and over a decade of devastating civil war. To secure U.S. and Western backing, Al-Sharaa must unequivocally demonstrate respect for religious and ethnic minorities (including Shiites, Alawites, Christians, and Druze) and prevent Syria from once again becoming a terrorist epicenter.
Steadfast Diplomacy, Audacious Strategy
Trump’s tour transcended the usual diplomatic framework, reflecting meticulously calculated strategic objectives:
* Peace in Gaza as a Strategic Imperative: Trump made it clear that the conflict must end immediately, not only for humanitarian reasons but because it represents a major obstacle to regional stability. Although Trump denied any tension with Netanyahu in an interview on “Fox & Friends,” he stated that Palestinians were “starving” and action was needed, adding, “we will see very good things in Gaza very soon.” Washington’s informed circles openly discuss Trump’s exasperation with Netanyahu and his irritation with the most recalcitrantly pro-Netanyahu sector (a clear distinction is made there between this and being pro-Israel).
* Pro-Israel Political Equilibrium: Trump has demonstrated diplomatic skill by maintaining pressure on Netanyahu to end hostilities in Gaza without jeopardizing the support of the influential pro-Israel lobby in the U.S.
* Consolidation and Expansion of the Abraham Accords: Although progress is slow, the normalization of relations between Israel and Gulf countries remains a priority. Advances have been limited, indicating that profound reservations persist in certain Arab sectors, which desire substantial progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before normalizing relations with Israel.
New Mediations and Alliances in the Region
One of Trump’s major achievements has been the reconfiguration of key alliances:
* Saudi Arabia: Riyadh emerged as a decisive actor, mediating between the United States and Syrian President Al-Sharaa. The success of this mediation considerably strengthens its regional and global leadership.
* United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its strategic role as a key mediator between Syria and Israel, consolidating its position as Israel’s foremost ally in the Persian Gulf. This has been interpreted as an unequivocal signal of alignment with the West, despite its excellent relations with Russia and the UAE’s non-application of sanctions against either the country or Putin’s circle.
* Qatar as an Indispensable Interlocutor: Doha has been crucial in delicate negotiations with contentious actors such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Taliban, always at Washington’s direct request. As Trump stated at Al Udeid Air Base: “We don’t start wars; we collaborate with our partners to end them, and Qatar is one of our best allies.”
* Stabilization without Military Interventions: Trump aims for stabilization in Syria that would permit a possible withdrawal of special operations forces (JSOC), reducing direct military involvement in the region. Trump has consistently reiterated throughout the tour that prosperity fosters security, stability, and peace.
Renewed Coalition Against Jihadism
The fight against jihadism remains a fundamental pillar for global peace and stability. Trump revitalized the international coalition against Al Qaeda and ISIS, with the clear objective of disarming militias in Syria to prevent terrorist groups from accessing advanced weaponry, and guaranteeing protection for vulnerable minorities such as Christians, Shiites, Druze, and Alawites.
Energy Strategy: A Global Power Play
Iran continues to pose a direct strategic threat to Western and Arab interests. Its expansive influence from Iraq to Yemen and the Persian Gulf presents serious risks. Trump’s tour has reinforced the strategy to isolate Iran, limiting its access to nuclear weapons and curtailing its regional energy influence. This also constitutes a serious signal to China and Russia, constraining their economic and energy penetration in this key region.
Economic Impact: Commerce and Defense as Diplomatic Tools
The economic agreements signed during the tour reaffirm the United States as the preferred partner for Gulf States, notably displacing China:
* Saudi Arabia committed to investments exceeding $600 billion, highlighted by a landmark defense agreement worth $142 billion for U.S. weaponry, alongside significant technological initiatives with Nvidia and energy infrastructure through Aramco.
* Qatar announced investments of over $120 billion, including massive orders for Boeing aircraft (over 200 planes, including 777X and 787-900 Dreamliners) valued at $96 billion, bolstering strategic energy projects and active defense agreements.
* The United Arab Emirates pledged more than $140 billion, allocating substantial sums to technological development in artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure through 2035, and significant industrial investments such as the $4 billion aluminum plant in Oklahoma.
A New Regional Paradigm
Trump’s tour heralds a new era in the Middle East, characterized by pragmatism, firm diplomacy, reduced direct military interventionism, and the strengthening of strategic regional alliances. His speech at Al Udeid clearly synthesized this philosophy: strategic firmness without unnecessary belligerence, promotion of American industry, and pragmatic diplomacy.
Conclusion: Towards a Renewed Regional Order
Trump’s visit to the Middle East represents something more profound than a mere diplomatic mission. It is a clear commitment to a new paradigm that seeks stability, security, and prosperity through active diplomacy, economic cooperation, and strategic containment. Indeed, he affirmed that these three visited nations had been marginalized and mistreated by preceding administrations and were loyal allies and friends of the USA who were “eager to show their love for America.”
However, in this region marked by historical turbulence, ultimate success will depend on the ability of regional and international actors to navigate these treacherous waters, where latent and active conflicts always threaten to boil over. This pragmatic, peace-promoting foreign policy towards the Middle East contrasts sharply with the tariff wars and other strategies that have seriously disrupted market stability or generated unease among allies. Yet, this tour has demonstrated that it is possible to be firm and extend an olive branch simultaneously, emphasizing conflict avoidance or resolution rather than provocation or promotion. Not even his fiercest critics, I believe, could fault him on this. Let us hope this same spirit will eventually permeate other areas of foreign policy and the economic and security strategy of a Trump 2.0.
Gustavo de Arístegui is a Spanish Diplomat, Author and was Spain’s ambassador to India (2012-2016).
(Cover Photo: President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud after his arrival to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
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