US President Donald Trump is preparing to embark on his first foreign trip of his second term, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Before his departure, Trump announced plans to refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or Gulf of Arabia, a symbolic move favored by Arab nations but opposed by Iran. The official name change, however, is not within Trump’s authority.
Trump has also teased a “very big announcement” during his Middle East trip, though he remains cryptic about its details. Speculations abound that it may concern the Hamas hostages in Gaza, a potential US-Iran nuclear deal, or the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.
The visit is significant for the Gulf countries, as each has its set of policy priorities. Saudi Arabia, for example, is seeking foreign investment to meet its Vision 2030 reform targets and does not want to be excluded from opportunities that the UAE secured by joining the Abraham Accords. Israel and Saudi Arabia were close to establishing diplomatic ties before the October 7 attack on Israel, which now puts any deal on hold, as Saudi Arabia insists on a path to Palestinian statehood.
Despite these tensions, the focus remains on economic engagement and regional security cooperation. Trump’s trip is expected to promote business ties, and significant investments have been pledged by the visited countries in the US. The visit might also serve as a prelude to a US-Iran nuclear deal or a resolution regarding the Houthi militia in Yemen. In any case, the outcome will likely align with US business interests, aiding Trump’s stance on pivoting towards China while securing regional players’ commitment to Middle East stability.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/arab-countries-hope-for-big-us-business-amid-unresolved-gaza-war/a-72489255?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
