President Donald Trump began his highly anticipated Middle East tour on Tuesday with a diplomatic and economic milestone: the signing of a broad agreement package with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The visit marks Trump’s first stop on a four-day regional trip focused on strengthening alliances and brokering deals with key partners in the region.
A Warm Welcome from the Saudi Crown Prince
Trump received an enthusiastic reception upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where Crown Prince Mohammed personally greeted him. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries, with Trump later remarking, “I really believe we like each other a lot.” Their rapport set the tone for a day of high-level meetings and strategic agreements.
Over a Dozen Agreements Signed
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia finalized more than a dozen deals aimed at boosting collaboration across several sectors. These include increased coordination between the two countries’ militaries, closer ties between justice departments, and new partnerships in cultural and educational institutions. The agreements reflect mutual interests in bolstering security and economic engagement amid rising regional tensions.
Iran and Gaza Loom in the Background
While the focus of the trip is on diplomacy and commerce, regional challenges continue to cast a shadow. Both leaders voiced concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Although no new policy announcements were made on those fronts, the issues remain central to U.S.-Saudi discussions.
Potential Detour to Turkey Over Ukraine War
Trump also touched on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, hinting at a possible visit to Turkey later this week. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to meet in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss a potential peace framework. Trump suggested he might intervene in person “if my presence could help.”
Qatar’s Lavish Gift Sparks Ethics Questions
In a separate development, Trump revealed that the ruling family of Qatar has offered him a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet—a gesture he appears ready to accept. The plane, which U.S. officials say could be retrofitted into a presidential aircraft, has already drawn scrutiny and raised ethical concerns over the propriety of foreign gifts to a sitting U.S. president.
As Trump continues his tour through the region, attention will remain fixed on both the deals he seals and the broader geopolitical implications of his diplomacy in one of the world’s most volatile areas.
Keep up with Trump’s Middle East trip with us on Que Onda Magazine.