In a significant announcement made on Tuesday, President Donald Trump revealed plans to lift sanctions against the Syrian government and expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations with Iran. This marks a notable reconfiguration of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing that there are no “permanent enemies.” During his speech at an investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which marks the beginning of his second term's major foreign trip, Trump articulated a broad yet at times contradictory vision regarding the U.S. military role globally.
Trump declared his opposition to previous U.S. interventions in the Middle East, while also asserting his commitment to using military force when necessary to protect the United States and its allies. "In fact, some of the closest friends of the United States of America are nations we fought wars against in generations past," he stated, highlighting a shift in diplomatic relations.
During his visit, Trump aimed to attract investments from the oil-rich region into the American economy, spending the day engaged in pomp and ceremony as he signed a series of investment agreements. From the moment he arrived, enthusiastically greeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump appeared focused on securing lucrative deals for prominent tech companies and business executives accompanying him.
His speech resembled a campaign rally, with moments of levity as he interacted with Saudi leaders and investors. It addressed various security challenges in the Middle East, coupled with a renewed commitment from the United States to play a role in resolving them. Trump asserted, "I will never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon," while simultaneously indicating his readiness to negotiate a deal with Tehran regarding its nuclear program.
In a surprising move, Trump announced he would remove sanctions on Syria, a decision reportedly requested by the Saudi crown prince. This lifting of sanctions, initially imposed during the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad, could significantly benefit Syria’s new government, which has distanced itself from past affiliations with al-Qaeda. Critics have warned that maintaining sanctions for too long risks alienating new leaders who may be open to cooperation with Washington.
Trump also noted plans to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his visit. He emphasized a more restrained approach to U.S. involvement in the region, contrasting his stance with that of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who had previously criticized the Saudi crown prince for human rights violations.
Trump's overtures to Iran and the lifting of sanctions on Syria were perceived as significant blows to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has maintained a hardline stance on both issues. This visit showcased a remarkable unity between the Saudi and U.S. leadership, contrasting sharply with Biden's previous visit, during which he confronted Mohammed about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Throughout the day, Trump expressed admiration for the crown prince, declaring, "He’s an incredible man." The personal rapport between Trump and Mohammed has remained strong, even as international relations have fluctuated due to past controversies.
Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia included attendance from high-profile CEOs, including leaders from Uber, Amazon, and BlackRock. During discussions, Trump emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Saudi alliance, claiming, "It is more powerful than ever before," to applause from the audience. He also projected that his brief visit could create approximately 2 million jobs, bolstered by $600 billion in investment commitments.
While some details remain vague, part of this investment includes a substantial arms deal worth $142 billion, aimed at enhancing the military capabilities of Saudi Arabia. This deal underscores the long-standing military relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which has seen foreign military sales surpassing $100 billion in the last decade.
As Trump embarks on a four-day tour of the Middle East, he plans to meet with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council before heading to Qatar and concluding his trip in the United Arab Emirates. This visit not only reflects a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy but also highlights the importance of cultivating economic ties with key Middle Eastern allies.
