Daijiworld Media Network – Riyadh
Riyadh, May 11: As Donald Trump begins a three-day tour of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, regional leaders are expected to press him hard on Gaza, Iran, and broader Middle East peace efforts. With U.S. policies seen as erratic and ineffective, Gulf nations hold growing leverage over Trump, who now relies heavily on them for diplomacy, security, and investment.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has warned that normalisation with Israel is off the table without real progress toward a Palestinian state. Calling the post-October 7 killings in Gaza “genocide,” Salman is likely to demand an end to the Israeli blockade and a renewed ceasefire.
Trump’s shifting stance on Iran and Yemen – including secret talks and a sudden halt to US strikes – has strained ties with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who continues to push for broader conflict. Gulf states are also urging Trump to support Syria’s recovery under interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, but Trump has so far refused to lift US sanctions.
Observers say a revived nuclear deal with Iran could help Trump regain trust in the region, lower oil prices, and unlock major Saudi investments. A $600 billion economic deal and a $100 billion arms package are reportedly on the table – along with fresh business opportunities for Trump’s family enterprises.
However, critics warn that Trump’s visit legitimises authoritarian Gulf regimes and ignores human rights concerns, including the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While he claims to be the “peace president,” Trump faces growing pressure to shift from transactional politics to meaningful diplomacy.
Whether he heeds that call remains to be seen.