In a powerful reaffirmation of the deep and evolving alliance between the United States and the Gulf region, President Donald Trump made Saudi Arabia the destination of his second official first state visit just as he did in 2017. This choice speaks volumes. In a world marked by shifting alliances and growing uncertainty, Trump’s return to Riyadh sends a clear message: The Gulf spearheaded by Saudi Arabia remains not only a strategic partner but also a beacon of regional leadership and transformation.
While President Trump continues to face intense criticism from political opponents at home, history will likely remember him as a bold dealmaker who reshaped U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East with lasting impact. His presidency saw the birth of the Abraham Accords, historic agreements that normalized relations between Israel and Arab nations such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. More countries joined the initiative later, reflecting a regional momentum toward peace, dialogue, and cooperation, one that Trump helped unlock.
Why Saudi Arabia Matters ?
Choosing Saudi Arabia again as his first destination is more than symbolic, it reflects strategic recognition of the Gulf as an economic powerhouse and a cornerstone of regional security. Gulf states, including Bahrain, have repeatedly proven themselves as reliable and essential partners in the global fight against terrorism. Whether in intelligence-sharing, counterterrorism operations, or energy security, the U.S.-Gulf partnership has stood the test of time.
Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria at the personal request of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) highlights the profound trust he places in Saudi Arabia’s leadership. It also marks a turning point in regional diplomacy. The reception of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa before the start of the Arab Gulf-U.S. Joint Summit was a historic moment that signaled Washington’s backing of Saudi-led efforts to reintegrate and rehabilitate Arab states torn apart by years of war and foreign interference.
As President Trump stated during the summit: “The people of Syria deserve a chance.” This powerful statement reflects a new U.S. posture, one that stands in solidarity with the people of the Arab world and supports homegrown, Arab-led solutions.
Gulf Unity vs. Iranian Destabilization
The contrast with the Islamic Republic of Iran could not be more striking. While Iran continues to create chaos in countries like Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen through militias and ideological warfare, Saudi Arabia is charting a different path, one of development, evolution, and reintegration. Trump’s clear declaration during his visit that “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon” reinforced the firm U.S. stance against Tehran’s destructive ambitions.
Perhaps it is time for the Islamic Republic to learn from the Gulf model, where prosperity is built through partnerships, progress, and peace, not proxy wars and ideological extremism.
Bahrain’s Voice: A Call for Peace and Resolution
At the summit, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised President Trump’s decisive stance on Syria and commended Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his visionary leadership. King Hamad also emphasized the vital role played by President Trump in mediating key global conflicts, including the war in Gaza and the conflict in Ukraine.
Most notably, King Hamad reaffirmed Bahrain’s longstanding support for a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis, centered on the two-state solution, a position that aligns with the aspirations of countless people across the region.
A Vision for a Shared Future
President Trump’s visit represents more than diplomacy; it is a powerful endorsement of the transformative role Saudi Arabia is playing under MbS’ leadership. The Gulf nations and the United States remain bound by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to shaping a peaceful and prosperous future.
In this new Middle East, led by determined and reform-driven nations like Saudi Arabia, the vision is clear: rebuilding what has been torn down, welcoming the marginalized back into the fold, and proving that peace and development will always prevail over chaos and destruction.
As Gulf nations, we take pride in our enduring friendship with the United States and the pivotal role our region is playing on the global stage. Together, we are not just responding to the moment, we are defining the future.