RIYADH, May 13 – In a bold and unexpected move, U.S. President Donald Trump began his visit to the Gulf region by declaring that the United States will lift decades-old sanctions on Syria. The announcement was made during his address at an investment forum in Riyadh, where Trump also unveiled a colossal $600 billion investment agreement with Saudi Arabia. These groundbreaking moves signal a major shift in America’s approach to foreign relations and economic engagement in the Middle East.
The president’s remarks came at the outset of a trip focused heavily on economic partnerships and regional cooperation. Trump emphasized the importance of moving past punitive measures that he claimed had “served their time.” Responding to a push from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who holds substantial influence in Middle Eastern politics and trade, Trump announced the removal of sanctions on Syria.
“Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” Trump joked during his speech, receiving laughter and applause from the audience. He described the sanctions as “a tool of the past” and insisted that Syria, under new leadership, deserved a path forward in reconstruction and reconciliation.
The announcement carries enormous weight as Syria has been isolated economically and politically since civil unrest spiraled into a devastating conflict over a decade ago. The toppling of Bashar al-Assad last December and the rise of President Ahmed al-Sharaa have ushered in a new chapter for the war-torn country. Lifting the sanctions opens the door for international support and a possible path to rebuilding.
Massive Defense and Economic Deal with Saudi Arabia
In addition to the Syria decision, Trump secured an extraordinary $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the United States. A major portion of the agreement includes an arms deal reportedly worth nearly $142 billion. Described as the largest defense cooperation package in U.S. history, the deal spans various sectors such as aerospace, missile defense, naval operations, and communications.
The White House stated that this multi-faceted agreement covers over a dozen American defense companies and will serve as a pillar of long-term cooperation between the two nations. Discussions reportedly also touched on the possibility of expanding the deal to include high-tech military aircraft, though no confirmation was given regarding the inclusion of F-35 fighter jets.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman hinted that the full value of the partnership could eventually climb to $1 trillion, as further agreements are expected in the coming months. For decades, the U.S-Saudi relationship has been anchored in an informal arrangement: oil in exchange for military and strategic support. Trump’s new agreements seem to deepen this bond, focusing on economic interdependence and regional security.
While diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalated following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Trump made no reference to the incident during his remarks. Instead, he praised the crown prince, calling him “an incredible man” and highlighting their personal rapport. “I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said, further solidifying his warm stance toward the Saudi leadership.
Middle East Tour and Strategic Goals
Trump will go to Qatar on Wednesday and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, following his engagements in Saudi Arabia. Unlike prior Middle East tours that emphasized military alliances or peace talks, this journey centers largely on economic collaboration and investment opportunities.
One striking omission from Trump’s travel schedule is a stop in Israel. The omission raises speculation regarding the current administration’s focus on Israeli relations, especially as Trump attempts to broker a new ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Despite the absence, Trump voiced his hope that Saudi Arabia would eventually normalize relations with Israel, noting that such a development would occur “in their own time.”
Sources suggest that Saudi hesitation stems from Israel’s leadership, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu’s rejection of a two-state solution involving Palestinians. This has made it more challenging to build on the momentum of normalization efforts that took place during Trump’s earlier presidency.
Trump, however, delivered a strong warning to Iran, describing it as “the most destabilizing force in the Middle East.” He emphasized that the U.S. would never permit Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon and left open the possibility of a new diplomatic agreement, provided Iran changes its current course.
“I want to make a deal with Iran,” Trump said. “But if Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch… we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure.”
Business leaders from across the globe accompanied Trump at the Riyadh event, including notable figures such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and financial powerhouses Larry Fink and Stephen Schwarzman. The presence of these high-profile individuals underscored the trip’s focus on investment, technology, and economic reform.
Trump was also seen engaging with Saudi officials involved in the nation’s sweeping modernization efforts. These include Vision 2030, the crown prince’s signature initiative aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy into a diversified and sustainable model. Projects like NEOM—a planned high-tech city on the Red Sea—demonstrate the kingdom’s ambitions, even as economic challenges persist.
With oil prices fluctuating and construction costs soaring, some of Saudi Arabia’s goals have been tempered. Yet the long-term strategy remains intact, and Trump’s support could reinvigorate investor confidence and bilateral cooperation.
As Trump continues his tour through the Gulf, the implications of his visit—both economic and diplomatic—are expected to shape regional dynamics for years to come.
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