President Donald J. Trump is jetting across the Gulf to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates this week. But make no mistake about it, the specter of two other nations, Israel and Iran, looms large over this journey.
Israel, after calling off a ceasefire two months ago, is digging deeper into the trenches of the Gaza Strip conflict. Iran, meanwhile, seems to be dancing on the razor’s edge of nuclear weapon development. Yet, Trump’s eyes are set on the energy-rich nations that house his business interests, intertwining American economic stakes with his ventures.
The Gulf countries rolling out the red carpet for Trump have their interests in easing the tensions stemming from Gaza and Iran. So, while Trump might prefer to talk business, he won’t be able to sidestep the diplomatic high wire altogether.
Israel, a key U.S. ally, is raising an eyebrow at Trump’s itinerary, wondering if their interests are being sidelined. This concern was stoked when Trump announced a pause on strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, a move that left Israel prickling like a porcupine under a full moon.
Trump’s overtures towards Iran are sending ripples of concern through Israel. The fear is that a potential deal might not have enough teeth to prevent Iran from going nuclear or curtailing its support for armed factions in the region.
Will Trump’s actions sow doubts about his dependability on other pressing matters? Like a potential defense pact with Saudi Arabia, which may only come to fruition if Israel makes significant concessions towards Palestinian statehood – a move that seems as likely as a jackrabbit taking a leisurely stroll through a coyote den.
What we know for certain is this: Israel is biding its time, holding off on expanding operations in Gaza until after Trump’s visit. Meanwhile, Trump seems to have taken his eye off the escalating conflict, leaving many to wonder just how committed his administration is to achieving a ceasefire.
For Iran, much hinges on the ongoing talks with the U.S. over its nuclear program. With the clock ticking and the stakes couldn’t be higher, Tehran is standing its ground, unwilling to surrender its nuclear enrichment entirely.
The situation is a powder keg, waiting for a spark to ignite it. Iran, economically battered and politically cornered, is running out of options, just as Trump’s second Middle Eastern visit looms on the horizon.
The challenge now is how Trump will navigate these turbulent waters. Courage will be needed as he attempts to address the region’s crises and avoid a diplomatic debacle akin to the Qatar crisis of 2017. As Trump sets foot in the Middle East, one thing is clear: the stakes couldn’t be higher.