US President Donald Trump’s decision to make Saudi Arabia his first major foreign stop in his new Middle East diplomacy is a move filled with strategic promise. Early in his administration’s next chapter, this visit could mark the beginning of a transformative period for the region-and for America’s role within it. More than a symbolic gesture, choosing Riyadh as the launch pad for a fresh regional approach suggests an intent to ground US policies in regional realities and partnerships rather than distant theorizing. If approached boldly, this could set the Middle East on a new course-favoring peace and prosperity over war and hatred.

The agenda for Trump’s meetings with GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) leaders is expected to be packed with weighty issues: trade, investment, mutual security commitments, and strategies for ending regional conflicts. These topics are not only vital for regional stability but are critical to the broader health of the global economy. The US and GCC states are significant economic players who suffer during global recessions and thrive during global booms. Recent economic trends, however, have been troubling. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised downward its forecast for global growth, and JP Morgan recently estimated a 60 percent chance of a global recession. This summit could lay the groundwork for reversing those trends.

The recent depreciation of the US dollar against other currencies has impacted GCC states disproportionately. As major exporters of oil and gas-products priced in dollars-and with currencies pegged to the dollar, the weakening greenback diminishes their revenues. Furthermore, GCC exporters have been hurt by US tariff policies, including the 10 percent tariffs on general exports and the aluminum and steel tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term. To address these growing imbalances, Riyadh could serve as the setting for discussions on a new, balanced trade framework-one featuring reciprocal tariff reductions, most-favored-nation treatment, and aggressive investment promotion. Such an agreement would not only boost two-way trade and investment between the US and the GCC but also send a powerful global message that open, fair trade remains possible, even amidst protectionist currents elsewhere.

Security cooperation will naturally be another cornerstone of discussions. While both sides remain committed to regional peace and mutual security, the strategic framework established during Trump’s 2017 Riyadh summit has lost momentum and needs urgent revitalization. Reactivating the over ten dormant joint working groups-on regional security, maritime security, air defense, counterterrorism, and more-would be a major step forward. Encouragingly, recent site visits and meetings between US and GCC nuclear experts suggest a willingness to reinvigorate collaboration in emerging security fields, including nuclear energy cooperation.

If Trump is serious about his stated desire to end wars and make peace, Riyadh offers a unique opportunity to move decisively. Nowhere is the need more urgent than Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has become catastrophic. Ceasefire negotiations and the immediate delivery of desperately needed aid-especially food, medicine, and basic services-must be central to any new initiative. Civilians must not be allowed to starve or die from treatable conditions. By taking bold humanitarian steps, Trump could restore some of America’s tarnished moral authority in the region.

Moving beyond humanitarian relief, a committed US push for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine could dramatically lower regional tensions. The recent appointment of a vice president within the Palestinian Authority offers an opening to reunite Gaza and the West Bank politically, sidelining Hamas and empowering moderates-a long-standing international goal. Egypt’s proposal to have an independent, nonpartisan committee manage Gaza during the transition has gained wide acceptance. With Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister chairing the multilateral committee to support this plan, the timing is ripe for American leadership to push this initiative forward.

Elsewhere in the region, Trump’s administration appears to be pursuing de-escalation strategies, even if they are causing discomfort among traditional allies like Israel. The completion of several rounds of nuclear negotiations with Iran-facilitated by Oman-points toward a more balanced, pragmatic Iran policy. This diplomacy could lead to curbing Iran’s missile and drone programs and its support for armed groups destabilizing the region. Closer US-GCC coordination will be critical to consolidating any agreements with Tehran and to ensuring that progress is sustained.

Signs of a new approach are also evident in Yemen, where the Trump administration recently supported a ceasefire negotiated through Oman. Notably, when Israeli officials objected, new US Ambassador Mike Huckabee reminded them that the US does not need permission to negotiate ceasefires. Huckabee’s frankness, especially given his strong pro-Israel reputation, underscores a new willingness to pursue American interests more independently. The next step must involve the UN in reviving long-stalled peace talks in Yemen, while working on a comprehensive political solution that addresses humanitarian needs and stops attacks on vital shipping lanes.

In Syria, the administration seems ready to turn a new page as well. Dialogue with the new government has reportedly been positive, with Damascus committing to fight terrorism, unify the country, and keep Iran-affiliated militias at bay. With Iran’s military footprint significantly reduced in Syria, US strategic interests are better protected. Trump now has the authority to suspend or lift many of the punitive sanctions that hinder Syria’s recovery. An announcement in Riyadh signaling American willingness to ease sanctions could accelerate Syria’s reconstruction and stabilize another key part of the Middle East.

The Middle East summit in Riyadh could even touch on issues beyond the region. On Ukraine, the US and Saudi Arabia have cooperated closely since the beginning of the conflict, with Riyadh hosting mediation efforts involving Americans, Russians, and Ukrainians. Although talks have stalled, Trump could use his visit to announce a renewed push for dialogue-an outcome that would be welcomed not only in the region but across the world.

Ultimately, Trump’s longstanding promise to end America’s “forever wars” could find real fulfillment through deeper cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the GCC. These countries are not merely partners of convenience; they share America’s interest in regional stability, economic growth, and peace. Trump enjoyed a close relationship with GCC leaders during his first term, and this upcoming Riyadh summit provides the ideal setting to reaffirm and expand that partnership.

As US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff recently remarked, this region has the potential to become “much bigger than Europe” in terms of its strategic and economic importance to the United States. To achieve that potential, the US and GCC must leverage their close ties to expand trade, boost investment, and tackle crises jointly and effectively. The infrastructure already exists in the form of the GCC-US Strategic Partnership and bilateral frameworks with individual GCC countries. It now needs bold political will to activate it.

Trump’s trip to Riyadh could thus be much more than a diplomatic visit. It could be the first real step toward a Middle East that is freer, more prosperous, and more peaceful-with America leading the way not through force, but through partnership, vision, and resolve.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings