US President Donald Trump has made significant waves during his Middle East tour, starting with his arrival in Saudi Arabia on May 13, 2025. The US and Saudi Arabia have sealed a colossal $142 billion defense sales deal, marking the largest of its kind. This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader investment commitment of $600 billion in the United States, aimed at strengthening economic ties.
In a surprising move, President Trump announced the removal of US sanctions on Syria, declaring it time for the war-torn country to have “a chance at greatness.” This shift in policy marks a dramatic change from the years of sanctions imposed under previous administrations. The decision was met with celebrations in Damascus, where crowds gathered to mark the news.
Trump’s visit also saw him engaging with business leaders at the Saudi-US Investment Forum, where tech giants like Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Google secured major deals. Tesla’s Elon Musk shared insights on future technological advancements, including humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles, as part of Saudi Arabia’s tech future.
After concluding his visit to Saudi Arabia, President Trump is heading to Qatar, where he will meet with Qatari leaders for further discussions on strengthening bilateral relations. This visit is expected to include an official welcoming ceremony and a state dinner at Lusail Palace.
As Trump continues his tour, the geopolitical implications of his decisions, particularly regarding Syria, are likely to reverberate across the Middle East and beyond.
