During a speech at the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh on Wednesday, President Donald Trump expressed his interest in engaging with Iran and suggested expanding the Abraham Agreement to include more nations.
Trump made these remarks to Gulf leaders as part of his four-day visit to the region.
“I’m looking to sign a deal with Iran,” he stated. “But for that to happen, we need to put an end to the horrific sponsorship of terror, halt the ongoing proxy wars, and ensure that nuclear weapons are no longer pursued. They simply can’t have them,” he emphasized.
The focus of Trump’s trip includes fostering stronger economic relations and improving security collaboration with key U.S. allies in the region. He complimented the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for their “vision and bravery in signing the historic Abraham Agreement,” a pact brokered by the U.S. in 2020, allowing these nations to recognize Israel and establish diplomatic ties. This was a significant move, marking the first peace agreement between Israel and Arab states since the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty in 1994.
“We aim to keep that momentum going, potentially bringing more countries into the Abraham Agreement,” Trump said.
Shortly after, he met with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and announced plans to lift sanctions against Syria. Additionally, he remarked on Lebanon’s chance for renewal, saying it could overcome Hezbollah’s influence if the new leadership works towards rebuilding a stable nation.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to foster a thriving and peaceful Lebanon alongside its neighbors,” he added.
In closing, Trump broadly addressed the region, stating, “Our goal is to create a Middle East that serves as a hub for commerce, diplomacy, and culture, thriving in the very heart of the world.”
Following this event, Trump is scheduled to visit Qatar, marking the next stop on his Middle East tour.
