Trump Reshapes Middle East Policy with Gulf Economic, Security Deals

President Donald Trump's recent Middle East tour marks a significant departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing a restrained approach that respects regional autonomy and prioritizes economic development over military intervention. Trump met with key regional leaders, including Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa, signaling a willingness to lift longstanding sanctions and reshape alliances, which alienates Iran and sidelines Israel's influence in the region. His administration's approach focuses on supporting pragmatic governance and modernization in Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, contrasting sharply with Iran's ideological and repressive stance, as highlighted in Trump's speech criticizing Tehran's mismanagement and corruption. This shift reflects an 'America First' doctrine that repudiates previous nation-building efforts and interventionism, aiming instead to foster a Middle East defined by commerce and cooperation rather than conflict. However, the policy has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a pragmatic acknowledgment of U.S. limits, and others noting the potential risks of reduced engagement and implications for traditional alliances. Overall, Trump's Middle East strategy signals a generational shift with profound implications for U.S. foreign relations and regional dynamics.