US President Donald Trump has ramped up diplomatic engagements with Gulf leaders, hosting high-level meetings in Washington and securing major economic commitments despite stalled efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.
Trump met privately with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the White House and later hosted Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, for a private dinner on Wednesday evening.
Speaking during the Oval Office meeting with the Bahraini leader, Trump emphasized the mutual benefits of the longstanding alliance, stating, “Anything they needed, we helped them. And anything we needed, they helped us.”
Trump used the engagements to highlight US economic diplomacy, especially with nations that his administration sees as crucial to Middle East stability and investment. His recent tour of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar in May concluded with what he called “some of the most lucrative deals in US history.”
Among those was a $1.2 trillion package, which includes Qatar Airways’ purchase of 210 Boeing jets, as well as new military tech sales and energy sector investments.
“I don’t like waiting on Boeing,” Trump reportedly told aides, expressing interest in using a Boeing 747 gifted by Qataras his Air Force One a move sparking concerns about ethics and national security.
Analysts say the former president’s deepening ties with the Gulf reflect his broader diplomatic preferences.
“The Gulf represents everything that Trump believes is right about the Middle East,” said Aaron David Miller, a veteran adviser to US presidents.
“It’s rich, it’s stable, it’s populated by authoritarians with whom the president feels very comfortable.”
Bahrain, home to the US Fifth Fleet, is also eyeing expanded economic cooperation. The crown prince announced $17 billion in upcoming investments, adding, “And this is real. It’s real money. These aren’t fake deals.”
The latest round of talks also included a new agreement between Washington and Manama on civilian nuclear energy development. Bahrain’s King Hamad is expected to visit Washington later this year.
Despite these economic wins, Trump offered little progress on urgent regional issues such as the ongoing war in Gaza, where ceasefire talks remain stalled. His administration insists, however, that closer economic ties with Gulf nations could eventually bolster diplomatic leverage in the region.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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