‘A Slap in the Face’: Iranians Watched Trump’s Mideast Tour With Envy

President Donald Trump’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been marked by grand receptions and ambitious economic agreements. However, these diplomatic engagements have had unintended consequences for the host nations, exacerbating their existing energy and economic crises.

Economic Agreements and Their Implications

During his tour, President Trump announced over $2 trillion in deals aimed at bolstering the U.S. economy. In reality, these agreements amounted to approximately $730 billion, with many being non-binding memorandums of understanding (MoUs). Key components included Boeing jetliner orders, defense contracts with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and investment pledges, such as Qatar’s $500 billion U.S. investment over ten years. While these deals have been touted as significant, financial experts caution that many may never materialize, and some previously announced agreements were included in the totals. (reuters.com)

Impact on Gulf Economies

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, have faced economic challenges due to recent U.S. policies. The introduction of new U.S. tariffs has led to a dramatic plunge in oil-rich Gulf markets, with stock markets across these nations experiencing significant declines. The combination of tariffs and a sharp decline in oil prices has squeezed energy-producing nations that rely heavily on oil exports to power their economies and government spending. (newarab.com)

Additionally, President Trump’s push for lower oil prices has sparked concern in Gulf economies. His calls for increased oil production to reduce prices have raised fears of economic slowdown and fiscal deficits in countries like Kuwait, which faces growing oil revenue deficits. (arabtimesonline.com)

Regional Tensions and Exclusions

Israel has expressed concerns about being sidelined in the new Middle East dynamics shaped by President Trump’s engagements with Arab nations. Despite historically strong U.S.-Israel ties and Trump’s prior support, recent moves suggest a shift, with Israel finding itself excluded from high-level talks and deals. (apnews.com)

Conclusion

While President Trump’s Middle East tour aimed to strengthen U.S. relations with Gulf nations through substantial economic agreements, the unintended consequences have been significant. The combination of new U.S. tariffs, calls for lower oil prices, and the exclusion of key regional players has exacerbated existing energy and economic crises in the host countries. These developments underscore the complex interplay between international diplomacy and domestic economic stability in the Middle East.