President Trump Hints at Major Announcement Before Middle East Tour; Israel Seeks Hostage Deal with Hamas

U.S. President Donald Trump will begin a diplomatic and commercial tour of the Middle East on May 13, visiting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Trump has hinted at a major announcement, sparking speculation about diplomatic or economic breakthroughs. The trip will focus on commercial agreements, including a significant Boeing aircraft order by Qatar Airways. Israeli officials see the visit as a chance for a hostage deal with Hamas amid the Gaza conflict. Additionally, Trump announced a ceasefire with Yemen's Houthi rebels, mediated by Oman, to halt attacks in the Red Sea region.

Trump’s Middle East Tour: Strategic Stops and Economic Ambitions

President Trump’s upcoming trip marks his first extended foreign visit of his second term, following a brief appearance in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. The tour will take him to three key Gulf nations—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—each of which has signaled readiness to deepen economic and defense ties with the United States.

According to sources familiar with the planning, the trip is expected to focus heavily on commercial agreements, particularly in the aviation and defense sectors. Qatar Airways is reportedly finalizing a major order for approximately 100 Boeing widebody jets, with an option for an equal number, in what could become one of the largest aircraft deals in the region’s history. The move is seen as a strategic gesture to align with the White House and bolster bilateral relations.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has already pledged $600 billion in trade and investment over the next four years and is being encouraged by the Trump administration to raise that figure to $1 trillion. The UAE has committed to investing $1.4 trillion in U.S. infrastructure, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and energy over the next decade, including $100 billion earmarked for a Trump-affiliated venture.

Defense Deals and Diplomatic Leverage

Weapons sales are also expected to feature prominently during Trump’s visit. The U.S. recently approved a $3.5 billion arms package to Saudi Arabia, including 1,000 AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles and 50 guidance systems. Discussions are reportedly underway for the potential sale of Boeing F-15EX fighter jets to Riyadh.

The UAE, which will be the final stop on Trump’s tour, is also in the market for additional Boeing aircraft. Emirates, the world’s largest buyer of Boeing planes, is considering new orders for the 777X widebody model, while Flydubai is exploring a large purchase of 737s.

These commercial and defense agreements are widely viewed as tools for Gulf governments to demonstrate alignment with the Trump administration, while Trump seeks to reinforce his image as a master negotiator and global dealmaker.

Trump’s “Very, Very Big Announcement”

In a series of public remarks from the Oval Office, Trump has repeatedly hinted at a major announcement to be made before his departure. “We’re going to have a very, very big announcement to make. Like, as big as it gets,” he told reporters, adding that the news would be “very positive” and “one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject.”

While Trump has not specified the topic, he clarified that the announcement would not necessarily be related to trade. The ambiguity has fueled speculation about a potential diplomatic breakthrough, possibly involving the Israel-Hamas conflict or normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Israel’s Response: A “Window of Opportunity” for Hostage Deal

Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism that Trump’s visit could catalyze progress on a hostage deal with Hamas. A senior Israeli defense official told Reuters that the trip presents a “window of opportunity” to secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

“If there is no hostage deal, Operation ‘Gideon Chariots’ will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved,” the official warned, indicating that military escalation remains a contingency plan.

The Israeli Cabinet has already approved a plan to intensify operations in Gaza, but officials have reportedly agreed to delay the offensive until after Trump’s visit, in hopes that diplomatic efforts may yield results.

Ceasefire Developments and Regional Dynamics

In a related development, Trump announced that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have agreed to halt attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. The U.S., in turn, will cease its bombing campaign against the group. Oman, which has been mediating between the U.S. and the Houthis, confirmed the agreement, stating that both sides have pledged not to target each other’s assets in the region.

This announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions, including a recent Houthi missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. While Trump did not link the ceasefire to his upcoming announcement, the timing has added to the anticipation surrounding his Middle East tour.

Broader Diplomatic Context

Trump’s visit also comes as the U.S. continues to push for normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, Riyadh has maintained that any such agreement must be preceded by tangible progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state. Despite this, Trump has remained optimistic about brokering a deal, though Israeli officials and analysts remain skeptical of his commitment to resolving the broader conflict.

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, has played a key role in past negotiations, including a temporary ceasefire in January. However, Witkoff is currently stretched thin, also involved in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict and nuclear talks with Iran.

References

• Trump’s Middle East trip has Qatar lining up major Boeing order
• Trump teases ‘very big announcement’ ahead of Middle East trip
• Trump teases 'very, very big announcement' ahead of Middle East trip, Carney says he's 'on edge of my seat'
• Trump hints at 'very, very big announcement' ahead of Mideast trip - Türkiye Today
• Trump announces halt to Yemen bombing, taking Houthis at their 'word'
• How Trump’s walkaway diplomacy enabled Israel’s worst impulses
• Trump says will make 'very, very big announcement' before Mideast trip