Trump Addresses Gulf-US Summit: The World Is Watching the Opportunities in the Region

During his speech at the Gulf-US Summit in Riyadh, US President Donald Trump expressed his pride in spending two days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, praising the Gulf leadership, which he described as “admired by the world,” and noting that “the world is watching the opportunities in this vital region.”

Trump explained that the Gulf states today represent a model for stable and prosperous countries, noting that “achieving peace and prosperity in the Middle East is possible” if we build on the existing regional consensus and alliances.

Regarding the Lebanese issue, Trump expressed his hope for a new future for Lebanon, free of Hezbollah’s influence, stressing that the new Lebanese president has the opportunity to build an independent state free from the group’s influence. He said, “Lebanon now has a new opportunity with its new leadership.”

In a notable shift regarding the Syrian issue, Trump announced the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, following consultations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He added, “I have decided to lift all sanctions on Syria, and I see this as a step that gives them a great opportunity.” He noted that the normalization of relations with Syria began with a meeting with former Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa in Riyadh.

Regarding Iran, the US President emphasized the need to stop Tehran’s support for terrorism and militias, emphasizing, “We will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon,” noting that his administration had dealt “a strong blow to the Houthis after they targeted ships in the Red Sea.”

Trump emphasized the importance of Gulf-US cooperation in confronting regional challenges, most notably terrorism and instability. He also noted that “regional alliances remain the cornerstone of achieving security and prosperity for the Middle East.”

Trump concluded his speech by emphasizing the United States’ commitment to continuing its partnership with the Gulf states in various fields, saying, “Our interests are shared… and the security of the Gulf is America’s security.”