Trump Declares 'Golden Era' for the Middle East in Riyadh
US President Donald Trump embarks on a Gulf tour, announcing pivotal agreements and a shift in US Middle Eastern policy.
In a significant visit marking the first leg of his Gulf tour, US President Donald Trump arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, greeted warmly by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The visit has been characterized as a redefinition of American policy in the Middle East, involving a series of agreements and positions on multiple issues, including the Gaza conflict, the Iranian nuclear dossier, and regional developments, encapsulated by Trump's declaration of a 'Golden Era' for the region.
During his address at the Saudi-American Investment Forum, President Trump stated that the transformations taking place in the region stem from the efforts of the people themselves, rather than external interventions.
He praised the economic and social advancements in Gulf nations.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Trump remarked that the Palestinians 'deserve a better future,' and claimed that the events of October 7 would not have transpired had there been a different US president.
On the topic of Iran, Trump announced the United States' readiness to return to the negotiating table with Tehran under strict conditions.
He urged Iran to adopt a 'better new path,' warning that failure to comply would result in continued isolation and increased pressure.
He reiterated his 'maximum pressure strategy,' asserting, 'We will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, and we will prevent funding for its militias in the region...
The door is open if they choose peace.'
In a surprising move, Trump announced during a joint press conference with the Saudi Crown Prince that the United States would completely lift sanctions on Syria, as part of Washington's support for a new transitional government in Damascus led by Ahmad al-Shara, whom Trump is scheduled to meet.
He stated, 'Syria today stands before a historic opportunity for recovery and opening up...
We will support this transformation and encourage countries to invest and rebuild; we have a direct interest in a stable Syria without Iran and without Assad.' He emphasized that this decision was made in coordination with Saudi leadership, highlighting a shared vision to end the war and create a sustainable economic and political reality in Syria.
Trump also expressed his unwavering commitment to use military force to defend Saudi Arabia and its allies, stating, 'We use our military power to achieve peace...
We believe in peace through strength.' He reiterated, 'I will not hesitate to use military force to protect Saudi Arabia,' emphasizing that 'those who threaten America and its partners will face strength.' He asserted his preference for peace and partnership, stating that Iran should focus on building its own nation instead of supporting militias.
Arriving at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a large delegation of ministers and senior officials, Trump began the visit with discussions at Al Yamamah Palace with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, followed by the signing of various agreements and memorandums of understanding between the United States and Saudi Arabia in several sectors, including energy, security, and health, as well as a strategic economic partnership document.
The visit also included announcing a historic defense deal worth $142 billion with Saudi Arabia, part of a broader $600 billion investment package spanning defense, technology, energy, and artificial intelligence.
Trump indicated that these investments signify the onset of a new era of economic cooperation between the United States and Gulf countries.
The agreements encompassed a massive arms deal described by the White House as 'the largest in history.'
Trump welcomed the pledge made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to invest $600 billion.
Additionally, Saudi and American ministers signed other memoranda of understanding in defense and energy sectors.
Today, Riyadh will host the fifth Gulf-American summit, coinciding with Trump's tour of the region.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) remarked that this summit 'adds a new chapter of constructive cooperation and reaffirms the commitment to advancing towards a more secure, stable, and prosperous future for the region and the world.'
The visit has been characterized as a redefinition of American policy in the Middle East, involving a series of agreements and positions on multiple issues, including the Gaza conflict, the Iranian nuclear dossier, and regional developments, encapsulated by Trump's declaration of a 'Golden Era' for the region.
During his address at the Saudi-American Investment Forum, President Trump stated that the transformations taking place in the region stem from the efforts of the people themselves, rather than external interventions.
He praised the economic and social advancements in Gulf nations.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Trump remarked that the Palestinians 'deserve a better future,' and claimed that the events of October 7 would not have transpired had there been a different US president.
On the topic of Iran, Trump announced the United States' readiness to return to the negotiating table with Tehran under strict conditions.
He urged Iran to adopt a 'better new path,' warning that failure to comply would result in continued isolation and increased pressure.
He reiterated his 'maximum pressure strategy,' asserting, 'We will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, and we will prevent funding for its militias in the region...
The door is open if they choose peace.'
In a surprising move, Trump announced during a joint press conference with the Saudi Crown Prince that the United States would completely lift sanctions on Syria, as part of Washington's support for a new transitional government in Damascus led by Ahmad al-Shara, whom Trump is scheduled to meet.
He stated, 'Syria today stands before a historic opportunity for recovery and opening up...
We will support this transformation and encourage countries to invest and rebuild; we have a direct interest in a stable Syria without Iran and without Assad.' He emphasized that this decision was made in coordination with Saudi leadership, highlighting a shared vision to end the war and create a sustainable economic and political reality in Syria.
Trump also expressed his unwavering commitment to use military force to defend Saudi Arabia and its allies, stating, 'We use our military power to achieve peace...
We believe in peace through strength.' He reiterated, 'I will not hesitate to use military force to protect Saudi Arabia,' emphasizing that 'those who threaten America and its partners will face strength.' He asserted his preference for peace and partnership, stating that Iran should focus on building its own nation instead of supporting militias.
Arriving at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a large delegation of ministers and senior officials, Trump began the visit with discussions at Al Yamamah Palace with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, followed by the signing of various agreements and memorandums of understanding between the United States and Saudi Arabia in several sectors, including energy, security, and health, as well as a strategic economic partnership document.
The visit also included announcing a historic defense deal worth $142 billion with Saudi Arabia, part of a broader $600 billion investment package spanning defense, technology, energy, and artificial intelligence.
Trump indicated that these investments signify the onset of a new era of economic cooperation between the United States and Gulf countries.
The agreements encompassed a massive arms deal described by the White House as 'the largest in history.'
Trump welcomed the pledge made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to invest $600 billion.
Additionally, Saudi and American ministers signed other memoranda of understanding in defense and energy sectors.
Today, Riyadh will host the fifth Gulf-American summit, coinciding with Trump's tour of the region.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) remarked that this summit 'adds a new chapter of constructive cooperation and reaffirms the commitment to advancing towards a more secure, stable, and prosperous future for the region and the world.'
