President Trump’s Middle East Tour: Trade, Security, and Energy Deals from May 13-16 Amid Global Tensions

U.S. President Donald J. Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE from May 13 to 16, focusing on economic ties, energy, and defense agreements. The trip includes meetings with leaders and business executives, aiming to secure significant investments in U.S. infrastructure and technology. Amid regional tensions, Trump plans to finalize arms deals and discuss Iran's nuclear program. The visit excludes Israel, reflecting stalled diplomatic efforts. Energy cooperation and trade discussions, including potential easing of microchip export restrictions, are also on the agenda.

A Strategic Itinerary: Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi

President Trump’s itinerary begins in Riyadh, where he will attend the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum and a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He will then travel to Qatar and conclude his tour in the United Arab Emirates. The trip is expected to feature high-level meetings with state leaders and business executives, including BlackRock Chairman Larry Fink and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on economic diplomacy.

The visit comes at a time when Gulf states are seeking to diversify their economies amid falling oil prices, and the U.S. is looking to attract foreign investment to bolster domestic infrastructure and technology sectors. Trump is expected to push for major new investments from the Gulf into U.S. energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Economic Statecraft and Investment Commitments

Economic statecraft is at the heart of Trump’s Middle East agenda. According to administration officials, the president aims to secure hundreds of billions of dollars in investment commitments. Saudi Arabia has already indicated plans to invest over $600 billion in the United States over the next four years. These investments are expected to span infrastructure, energy, and technology, aligning with the Gulf’s broader ambitions to become global players beyond oil.

Despite oil prices hovering at a four-year low, the administration is confident that the economic deals will proceed. Many of the agreements, including arms sales and infrastructure projects, have long timelines and are seen as strategic rather than purely commercial. Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy—seeking visible capital flows and job creation back home—remains a central theme of the tour.

Security and Defense: Arms Sales and Regional Stability

While the trip is primarily focused on business, security issues are unavoidable. The administration is expected to finalize multibillion-dollar arms deals with each of the countries visited. These include high-tech defense systems and long-term procurement agreements. Gulf leaders are particularly interested in securing advanced U.S. weaponry amid concerns over Iran’s regional influence and the resurgence of its proxy militias.

In a significant development ahead of the trip, Trump announced that his Middle East envoy had brokered a deal with the Houthis—via Omani mediators—to end U.S. military operations against the group in exchange for safe passage through the Red Sea. This agreement is seen as a tactical move to reduce threats to maritime shipping and de-escalate tensions in the region.

Iran and the Nuclear Question

Iran’s nuclear program remains a central concern for both Washington and its Gulf allies. The Trump administration has engaged in three rounds of nuclear talks with Tehran, with a fourth round expected soon. While progress has been made, it remains unclear whether a comprehensive agreement can be reached that satisfies all parties.

Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are cautiously supportive of the negotiations but seek assurances that any deal will not compromise their security. Discussions during the trip are expected to include strategies to contain Iran’s proxies in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, especially in light of Israel’s recent military operations that have weakened several of these groups.

Gaza and the Israel Factor

Notably absent from Trump’s itinerary is a stop in Israel. The omission reflects the administration’s current diplomatic posture, as efforts to expand the Abraham Accords or broker a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia have stalled. Instead, the administration is focusing on encouraging Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, where renewed military operations have drawn international concern.

The Israeli security cabinet recently approved a plan to reoccupy Gaza if no alternative emerges, adding urgency to Trump’s regional consultations. While the president is unlikely to pressure Israel directly, the issue is expected to surface in discussions with Gulf leaders, who are wary of further escalation.

Energy Diplomacy and Civil Nuclear Cooperation

Energy remains a cornerstone of U.S.-Gulf relations. Trump’s administration has prioritized fossil fuels and is seeking to deepen cooperation in civil nuclear energy. In a notable shift, Washington is no longer conditioning progress on civil nuclear talks with Saudi Arabia on normalization with Israel—a concession that could pave the way for new agreements.

Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in mining and minerals deals, which are expected to be discussed during the visit. These talks align with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

Global Trade and Tariff Implications

Trump’s visit also comes amid global economic uncertainty and ongoing trade tensions. The administration recently struck a trade deal with the United Kingdom, and similar discussions are underway with other allies. Gulf states, however, appear largely unaffected by recent U.S. tariff announcements and are more focused on securing long-term strategic partnerships.

The president has hinted at easing microchip export restrictions to select Gulf countries, a move that could have significant implications for regional tech development and U.S. supply chains. These discussions are expected to be part of broader talks on digital innovation and economic modernization.

A Transactional Tour with Strategic Undertones

While Trump’s Middle East tour is framed as a business-first mission, it is deeply intertwined with regional security dynamics and global economic shifts. The administration’s approach—emphasizing investment, arms sales, and energy cooperation—reflects a pragmatic strategy aimed at reinforcing U.S. influence in a region facing both internal transformation and external threats.

As Gulf leaders seek to assert their global status and the U.S. looks to recalibrate its role in the Middle East, the outcomes of this visit could shape bilateral relations for years to come.

References

• Trump’s Persian Gulf Visit: Regional Conflict Clouds a Business Agenda
• Previewing President Trump's Trip to the Middle East
• US Policy in the Middle East: A Report Card
• President Trump’s High-Stakes Gulf Trip Requires More Than Good Business
• Trump’s Gulf gamble: Oil, conflicts, and opportunities in a high-stakes visit
• FIFA Council meeting moved due to Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump’s Middle East trip