Overview

• President Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a significant policy shift aimed at normalizing relations with the new Islamist-led government under Ahmed al-Sharaa.
• In Saudi Arabia, Trump secured a $600 billion investment commitment and $142 billion in arms sales, reinforcing economic and defense ties with the kingdom.
• The president's acceptance of a proposed $400 million luxury jet from Qatar, intended as a temporary Air Force One, has drawn bipartisan criticism over potential conflicts of interest and security concerns.
• Trump's family business ventures in the Gulf, including real estate and cryptocurrency projects, have intensified scrutiny over the overlap between personal profit and U.S. foreign policy.
• Discussions with Gulf leaders also focused on regional security issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Gaza, though no major breakthroughs were reported.