U.S. President Donald Trump is set to embark on a three-nation tour of the Middle East from May 13 to 16, marking his second international trip since returning to the White House. The visit will include stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed Tuesday.
The trip aims to strengthen economic ties and address pressing regional concerns, including Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Trump is expected to discuss large-scale investment deals and military equipment purchases, similar to those he secured during his first presidential term.
“Tremendous jobs will be created in those two or three days,” Trump said, hinting at major economic agreements to be finalized during the trip. While he did not reveal specific figures, he previously stated in March that a potential $1 trillion investment package with Saudi Arabia was on the table.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has already pledged $600 billion in U.S. trade and investments, signaling renewed efforts to boost bilateral cooperation. A senior official said nuclear talks with Iran and security concerns would also be top priorities during the visit.
Trump also noted he recently spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they were “united on issues including trade and Iran.”
The visit recalls Trump’s 2017 trip to Saudi Arabia, which was his first foreign visit during his initial term, and comes at a time when the White House is navigating complex geopolitical challenges in the region.