Trump's Gulf visit redraws Middle East power lines

With Netanyahu side-lined, Trump backs a new Sunni-led axis anchored by Saudi Arabia.
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2025-05-19

The latest news on the United States. It might come as a surprise, but Donald Trump's tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE has signalled a sharp pivot in United States diplomacy, marginalizing Israel while cementing alliances with wealthy Gulf monarchies.

His meetings with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman mark a realignment centred on arms deals, AI tech, and energy investment. Netanyahu's stance on Gaza and Iran appears increasingly out of sync with Washington.

WASHINGTON, DC, USA - February 4, 2025: President Donald J. Trump holds a joint news conference at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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