The Middle East remains a key arena for geopolitical competition and U.S. policy towards this region often reflects its major foreign policy focus. President Donald Trump’s first official tour after assuming office was to the Middle East, visiting three countries in four days from 13-16 May 2025. He started the trip from Saudi Arabia, followed by Qatar and then the UAE. A U.S. President’s first international trip is often reflective of his foreign policy priorities and this trip was exceptional, as it excluded Israel and there was no formal talk about the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between the Gulf Sheikhdoms and Israel. This was a clear departure from how the U.S. has always viewed relationships in the region from the perspective of Israel. In a crisis-ridden region, the U.S. has increasingly engaged with these three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states for furthering its foreign policy interests, as these states are important powerhouses, with considerable influence as mediators and brokers. This trip set the tone for Trump’s Middle East approach, which combined elements of continuity with sharp departures from past U.S. practices.
Historically, U.S. policy in the Middle East has been anchored on three constants: ensuring energy security, safeguarding Israel, and containing Iran. These pillars remain central under President Trump, but the Administration sought to advance these in ways that were more overtly transactional and economically-driven. Trump highlighted that American foreign policy must yield direct benefits for the U.S. economy, and his Gulf tour showcased this approach.
