Trump faces hurdles in brokering Saudi-Israel deal during Gulf visit as Riyadh demands Gaza ceasefire and Palestinian statehood recognition first.

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Donald Trump prepares for his first foreign trip since returning to the White House, aiming to boost investments and secure deals in the Persian Gulf. However, the Financial Times reports his primary goal of brokering Saudi-Israeli normalization faces serious obstacles amid Gaza’s 19-month war.

The former president is expected to pursue billion-dollar agreements, but the British newspaper notes the crown jewel deal – Riyadh-Tel Aviv normalization – remains elusive. Saudi Arabia has clarified that any progress requires concrete Israeli actions including Gaza ceasefire and Palestinian statehood recognition.

Saudi analyst Ali Al-Shihabi, close to royal circles, stressed no advancement in Israel relations will occur without tangible steps toward Palestinian justice. This marks a shift from Trump’s previous term, where regional dynamics were more favorable for bilateral cooperation.

While Gulf nations appreciate Trump’s transactional approach and human rights-unconstrained policies, the FT highlights growing wariness about his unpredictability. Former US diplomat Aaron David Miller noted Trump will receive warm welcomes, but discussions will focus on concrete economic interests rather than strategic alliances.

Despite challenges, Saudi Arabia has pledged $60 billion in US investments over four years – likely a key discussion point. However, the intersection of economic interests and Middle East political complexities raises questions about this high-stakes diplomatic mission’s success.

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