The US President, Donald Trump, departed for Saudi Arabia on Monday, launching a high-stakes tour of the Middle East focused on diplomacy over the Gaza conflict and Iran, alongside major economic deals.
His itinerary includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with possible talks in Turkey expected to touch on the war in Ukraine.
The trip marks Trump’s first major overseas engagement since returning to office.
Saudi Arabia was also the destination of Trump’s first foreign visit during his initial term.
He has once again chosen the Kingdom as the starting point of his second-term travels — though the recent death of Pope Francis prompted a brief detour to the Vatican — underscoring Riyadh’s strategic importance to Washington.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed more than 80 years of diplomatic ties.
Built on mutual respect and shared interests, the relationship has developed into a broad partnership spanning trade, defense, energy, education, technology, and tourism.
