The American President Donald Trump with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, at the Royal Court Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025. (Credit: Daniel Torok/White House)
In mid-May, Gulf nations appeared triumphant. With Donald Trump touring the region to much fanfare and leaving with promises of billions in investments, countries like Saudi Arabia emerged as key players in the U.S.'s Middle East policy. But just a month later, that perceived influence was dealt a blow by the volatile policies of the White House.Efforts by Gulf nations to mediate and prevent open war between Israel and Iran failed, despite their growing fear that the conflict might spill over into their territory. Iran’s June 23 missile strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid air base in Qatar — a response to Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites two days earlier — was carefully choreographed. Tehran warned of the attack in advance, and although Doha threatened retaliation, it likely never intended to act.Now, Gulf states, led by...
In mid-May, Gulf nations appeared triumphant. With Donald Trump touring the region to much fanfare and leaving with promises of billions in investments, countries like Saudi Arabia emerged as key players in the U.S.'s Middle East policy. But just a month later, that perceived influence was dealt a blow by the volatile policies of the White House.Efforts by Gulf nations to mediate and prevent open war between Israel and Iran failed, despite their growing fear that the conflict might spill over into their territory. Iran’s June 23 missile strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid air base in Qatar — a response to Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites two days earlier — was carefully choreographed. Tehran warned of the attack in advance, and although Doha threatened retaliation, it likely never intended to act.Now, Gulf states,...
