The United States and Saudi Arabia have finalized a significant $14.2 billion arms deal, touted by the White House as the “largest defense sales agreement in history.” This deal is a key highlight of President Trump’s four-day diplomatic visit to the Gulf, aimed at showcasing the advantages of his foreign trade policy.
During this visit, Trump is set to meet with Ahmed Al-Shara, Syria’s new leader and a former commander of the rebels who ousted Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
In remarks made at an investment conference on Tuesday, Trump stated his intention to lift sanctions against Syria following discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “I will order the suspension of sanctions against Syria to provide them with a chance to thrive,” he declared.
Shara has proposed several incentives for the US president, including access to Syrian oil, reconstruction deals, and even plans for Trump Tower in Damascus, in exchange for easing the sanctions.
While specifics about the sanctions relief remain unclear, Shara’s team in Damascus was reportedly celebrating the developments. “This is incredible, it worked,” expressed Radwan Ziade, a Syrian author and activist close to the president, sharing images of Trump Tower in the capital. “This is how you win him over,” he commented.
The trip appears heavily focused on fostering business interests, with some analysts noting it could lead to quick political wins for Trump. Notably, Crown Prince Mohammed has promised to invest $600 million in the U.S. during a lunch meeting with Trump, which encompasses agreements worth $142 billion in AI data centers and a significant order for Boeing 737-8 jets.
However, some details of these commitments lacked clarity, with the White House not providing a complete picture of the $600 million, noting that many initiatives had begun during President Biden’s tenure.
The White House characterized the arms deal as historic, involving plans from over twelve American defense contractors for weapons and services concerning air force enhancements, missile defense, and maritime security.
As Trump touched down in Riyadh on Tuesday, he was greeted with a show of hospitality from Saudi royal security details. His Air Force One was escorted by F-15s, and he mingled with prominent figures like Elon Musk and top executives in a lavish royal setting.
Trump laughed and engaged in friendly banter as Salman announced his investment pledge in the U.S. This visit reflects a broader trend in Middle Eastern politics under Trump’s “America-First” doctrine, which emphasizes domestic security and economic interests over foreign relationships. Critics argue that the deal strengthens Trump’s ties with business-oriented Republicans and raises significant conflicts of interest.
An illustrative case involves a luxury Boeing 747-8 gift proposal from Qatar, which the White House suggested could become a presidential plane but drew ire from some congressional Democrats, who labeled it as an excessively lavish gift.
Despite advocating for this extensive deal, Trump acknowledged the complexities ahead regarding Saudi aims concerning Israel’s diplomatic standings, pointing out that these goals would take time due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“When Saudi Arabia joins us, it will mark a momentous occasion in the Middle East,” Trump noted in reference to the Abraham Accords, hinting at hopes for broader Arab recognition of Israel.
This week, he is expected to continue his travels to Qatar before making a stop in the UAE on Thursday. His negotiations have been marked by lucrative investments that could shift U.S. policy in the region regarding Syria.
Shara, keen to establish closer ties with the U.S., reportedly offered various incentives to Trump, including a demilitarized zone near the Golan Heights, which would bolster Israel’s long-held claims in the area.
The notion of naming a building after Trump in Damascus was reportedly suggested by a Republican senator, indicating the potential for significant political maneuvering in the future amidst the intricate dynamics in Syria.
The diplomatic visit also stands out for Trump’s choice to forgo a stop in Israel due to the ongoing hostilities in Gaza and his complicated relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Amid escalating tensions, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to continue military operations, downplaying the likelihood of a ceasefire.
As he remarked, “Our military is positioned now, and we cannot afford to halt our progress,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
