President Donald Trump, during a visit to Saudi Arabia as part of his Middle East tour, reiterated his commitment to negotiating a deal with Iran and expanding the Abraham Accords. Speaking at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting in Riyadh, Trump emphasized the need for Iran to cease its nuclear ambitions and stop supporting terror groups. The remarks were made just after meeting with Syria’s Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the administration’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, signaling a potential move toward normalizing relations with the country.
Trump praised the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for their ‘vision and courage’ in signing the Abraham Accords, a historic agreement brokered by the U.S in 2020, which saw the UAE and Bahrain recognize Israel’s sovereignty and establish full diplomatic relations. The agreement marked a significant step, being the first time Israel had established peace with an Arab country since the Israel-Jordan peace treaty in 1994. Trump highlighted the need to continue this progress by adding more countries to the Abraham Accords, aiming to create a broader framework for regional peace and cooperation.
Additionally, Trump mentioned Lebanon’s potential for a ‘new chance for a future free from the grip of Hezbollah terrorists,’ emphasizing the need for an effective Lebanese state under its new leadership. The President’s comments come amid ongoing efforts to re-engage with the Middle East, which he believes presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster a prosperous and peaceful region. Trump’s vision includes transforming the Middle East into a thriving commercial, diplomatic, and cultural crossroads at the geographic center of the world, reflecting his broader strategic goals for the region.
As part of his Middle East tour, Trump will proceed to Qatar for his second stop, continuing to engage with regional leaders and further outline his plans for regional stability. His visit underscores the administration’s focus on diplomatic engagement, economic partnerships, and security cooperation, all aimed at redefining the Middle East’s role in global affairs.