The United States and Saudi Arabia recently sealed a monumental $142 billion arms deal, marking it as the largest defense sales agreement in history. This deal was part of Donald Trump’s diplomatic tour in the Gulf states, emphasizing his transactional foreign policy approach. During the trip, Trump announced his plan to lift sanctions on Syria after discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This move aimed to offer Syria opportunities for growth, with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader, proposing incentives like access to Syrian oil and reconstruction contracts, including the construction of a Trump Tower in Damascus, in exchange for the sanction relief.

The visit was centered on business interests, with Salman pledging a considerable $600 billion investment in the US economy, encompassing various sectors like AI data centers, energy equipment purchases, and aircraft acquisitions. Despite the grand pledges, specific commitment details remained vague, with some programs initiated under the previous administration. This visit showcased Trump’s prioritization of domestic economic and security interests, emphasizing his America First agenda in the Middle East.

Furthermore, the trip featured Trump’s interactions with key figures like Elon Musk and prominent AI personalities, symbolizing the merging of business and diplomacy. While the visit aimed to secure significant deals, challenges such as the complex geopolitics of the region, including the Israel-Gaza conflict, may hinder immediate progress. Overall, Trump’s visit marked a significant shift in US-Middle East relations, emphasizing business-driven diplomacy and the complexities of intertwining personal interests with foreign policy objectives.