Trump Heads to Gulf States, Skips Israel Visit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE as regional crises escalate in Gaza and Iran. While Trump focuses on business deals and investment, tensions over Israel, a possible Iran nuclear deal, and past diplomatic rifts loom large. His decision to skip Israel underscores shifting regional dynamics.
Trump Visits Gulf States as Gaza and Iran Tensions Escalate – Quick Looks
- Trump begins multi-nation Gulf tour focused on business and strategic ties.
- Skips Israel amid growing unease over ceasefire, Iran talks, and Houthi threats.
- Gulf nations seek reassurances on U.S. commitment and defense.
- Trump facing scrutiny over Qatar jet “gift” during trip.
- Iran nuclear talks remain stalled, Tehran under internal and external pressure.
- Trump looks to avoid a repeat of the 2017 Gulf diplomatic crisis.
- Trump Organization projects in Qatar and UAE raise ethical concerns.
Trump Heads to Gulf States, Skips Israel Visit
Deep Look
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — President Donald Trump arrived in the Gulf region Monday for a high-stakes tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to strengthen economic and strategic ties — even as crises deepen in Gaza and Iran.
While Trump’s itinerary focuses on business partnerships, arms sales, and AI cooperation, the shadow of worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the stalled Iran nuclear talks will follow him throughout the trip.
“This is his happy place,” said Jon B. Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “He’ll be flattered, welcomed, and surrounded by deal-making — far from criticism or confrontation.”
Iran on Edge as Nuclear Talks Stall
Iran’s nuclear ambitions continue to trouble U.S. allies, with no breakthrough after four rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman. Reports suggest the two-month window for a deal may have quietly expired.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar just ahead of Trump’s arrival, likely signaling openness to further negotiation. However, Tehran’s rhetoric has hardened, with growing threats to pursue nuclear weapons if talks collapse.
Iran also faces:
- A crippled economy worsened by long-standing U.S. sanctions.
- Increasing domestic unrest, including hijab protests by women.
- Diminishing influence of its regional allies in Lebanon and Gaza.
Trump’s suggestion of renaming the Persian Gulf to the “Arabian Gulf” triggered fierce backlash inside Iran. “It has always been the Persian Gulf — and always will be,” declared Tehran cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami.
Gaza Crisis Unfolds in Trump’s Absence from Israel
Notably, Trump will not visit Israel — a move interpreted by Israeli officials as a sign that Jerusalem is no longer central to the administration’s Mideast agenda.
The omission comes after:
- Trump paused U.S. strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, angering Israel.
- A Houthi missile reached Israel following a U.S.-Houthi ceasefire.
- U.S.-Iran nuclear talks resumed, worrying Israel over a possible weak agreement.
- Israel hoped for Trump’s support in potential military action against Iran.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials confirmed they would delay major military operations in Gaza until after Trump’s visit, leaving room for a new ceasefire deal to form. Trump recently announced the release of Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage held in Gaza, though Israel’s role in the deal remains unclear.
Qatar, UAE Stops Tied to Business and Influence
After Saudi Arabia, Trump will visit Qatar on May 14, then Abu Dhabi on May 15. Qatar recently revealed a new Trump-branded real estate project, raising eyebrows over the blending of presidential and business roles.
Critics highlight that the region is home to multiple Trump Organization developments, including luxury ventures in Jeddah, Dubai, and Oman.
Adding to the controversy: Trump has agreed to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar, potentially converting it into a future Air Force One. The move is under legal review and has triggered strong ethical criticism in Washington.
Recalling the 2017 Gulf Diplomatic Fallout
Trump’s first presidential trip abroad in 2017 — also to Saudi Arabia — indirectly contributed to the Gulf blockade of Qatar, in which Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed ties with Doha over its support for Islamist groups and ties to Iran.
At the time, Trump labeled Qatar a “funder of terrorism at a very high level.” But within a year, he reversed his position and praised the country, helping lay the groundwork for Gulf reconciliation in 2021.
Now, Trump’s return raises questions: Can he balance business ambitions with the need for regional stability?
“Trump should reemphasize efforts to unite the Gulf,” wrote Elizabeth Dent and Simon Henderson of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
Balancing Business and Diplomacy
Trump’s visit underscores a strategic shift: The administration’s regional focus is increasingly tied to economic leverage, particularly in energy, defense, and artificial intelligence.
Still, the backdrop of wars, stalled diplomacy, and regional mistrust means Trump will have to navigate far more than trade agreements and ribbon cuttings.
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