Trump Plans Meeting With Gulf, Palestinian, Syrian, Lebanese Leaders in Riyadh

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also expected to attend. The summit, reportedly initiated by bin Salman and accepted by Trump, is seen as a potential step toward establishing a Palestinian state, a key Saudi condition, though Washington has denied plans to recognize Palestinian statehood during the visit. Trump's trip aims to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, attract Gulf investment, and address tensions with Iran over its nuclear program, while also marking an effort to strengthen U.S. influence in the region following recent conflicts. Despite Israel's government opposing the inclusion of Abbas and al-Sharaa due to alleged terrorism support and Trump's decision not to visit Israel, the meetings signal a rare regional diplomatic engagement. Israeli officials and Washington’s envoy have dismissed rumors of immediate normalization deals or Palestinian state recognition, with U.S. officials emphasizing that face-to-face talks are intended to lay groundwork for future progress. The visit underscores ongoing complexities in Middle East diplomacy, balancing efforts to normalize ties with Israel, address Palestinian demands, and manage regional security concerns related to Iran.