Trump's Middle East Tour: A Mix of Diplomacy and Business Deals

In a whirlwind conclusion to a four-day Middle Eastern tour, President Trump engaged with leaders across the Gulf, aiming to reshape regional politics while signing multi-billion-dollar business deals to benefit American companies.

President Trump concluded his extensive Middle East tour on Friday, culminating his four-day expedition with a visit to Abu Dhabi, where he engaged with regional business elites. This trip, which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, was marked by sumptuous receptions and significant announcements of economic agreements benefiting U.S. enterprises.

Key highlights from Trump's tour include an unusual diplomatic encounter with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara—a former militant previously associated with Al Qaeda. This meeting signaled a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, particularly as Trump declared the lifting of sanctions on Syria, aiming to breathe life into its war-ravaged economy.

The White House claimed Trump's tour resulted in deals valued at hundreds of billions for U.S. firms, including a noteworthy aircraft order from Qatar for Boeing. Nevertheless, details regarding these agreements remained vague, with many negotiations already underway prior to the tour.

Trump also hinted at advancements in nuclear discussions with Iran, reaffirming the U.S.'s stance against Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities while suggesting the pursuit of long-lasting peace through serious negotiations.

Amidst this, Trump intentionally did not make a stop in Israel and notably refrained from engaging directly with the escalating conflict in Gaza, only acknowledging the dire humanitarian situation. He expressed a desire for resolution, recognizing the plight of civilians affected by violence.

Uncertainties loomed over Trump's potential involvement in Turkey aimed at facilitating ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine, as he ultimately opted out, leaving discussions to proceed without his presence. The anticipation for breakthroughs in these talks remained low, especially with President Putin's absence from the dialogue.

Qasim Nauman is a Times editor based in Seoul, covering global breaking news.