Antoun el-Fata, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

The 4 Trillion Dollar Question: What Did Trump Trade Away?

The U.S. cannot isolate its ties with Gulf states from its broader role in the Middle East

In the wake of recent high-profile agreements between the United States and key Gulf nations, namely Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, President Donald Trump appears to have achieved the majority of his strategic and economic objectives in the region. In return, these Gulf states have received significant support and commitments from Washington.

Trump has publicly emphasized the scale of these deals, claiming they could amount to as much as $4 trillion, and presenting them as a testament to his unique ability to advance U.S. interests. While this narrative may resonate with his domestic audience, it also raises broader questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in light of the administration’s apparent pivot away from traditional partners in Europe, Asia, and even within the Western Hemisphere.

A well-informed source stated that the Gulf region has naturally become a top priority for the United States, given its substantial investments and pivotal role in shaping the future of global energy markets. With vast wealth distributed among relatively small populations, the Gulf stands as the world’s leading investment hub and a key focus of U.S. strategic interest.

Speaking to "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency, the source stressed that the strong ties between the U.S. and Gulf states, along with their major investments, inevitably shape Washington’s broader role in the Middle East. He noted that while the Gulf is a key partner, it cannot alone serve all of America's political, security, and economic interests, nor can it substitute the broader need for regional stability.

The same source added that efforts are underway to alter Iran’s military and security behavior, limit its foreign influence, and push for internal policy reforms, steps seen as crucial to de-escalating regional conflicts and reshaping the Middle East.

He concluded by noting that the Trump administration is using military strength as a tool to achieve peace, citing its role in mediating conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and between India and Pakistan, interventions that, he argued, only the U.S. was capable of leading effectively.