Trump to tour Middle East in first major foreign trip of second term

President Donald Trump will travel to the Middle East next month, with scheduled visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on April 22.

The four-day trip, set for May 13–16, will be Trump’s first multi-country foreign tour since returning to office, although he is expected to travel to Italy this weekend for the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

During his first term, Trump’s inaugural overseas trip also began in Saudi Arabia, signalling the strategic importance he places on the region.

According to Leavitt, the upcoming trip is aimed at reinforcing “the ties” between the United States and its Gulf partners, with “many bilateral meetings and talks” planned during the president’s stay.

Trump had previously hinted at the possibility of such a trip during an Oval Office appearance last month, pointing to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest in the US economy — an initiative he said would bring “jobs” to American workers.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia was the first foreign leader Trump contacted after returning to the White House. Speaking virtually at the World Economic Forum shortly afterward, Trump revealed he had asked the crown prince to increase his pledge to invest $600 billion in the US to $1 trillion.

The announcement of Trump’s Middle East tour came just hours after he disclosed in a Truth Social post that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the day.

“I’ve just spoken to Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, relative to numerous subjects including Trade, Iran, etc.,” Trump wrote. “The call went very well—We are on the same side of every issue.”

Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to visit Trump following his return to office, met with the president again earlier this month, amid discussions around the 17% tariff Trump had imposed on Israeli imports. That tariff has since been paused as negotiations continue.

The timing of Trump’s regional visit also coincides with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages have stalled. Qatar has been a central mediator in these negotiations.

Over the weekend, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s position on the war in Gaza, stating: “We will not conclude the war of redemption before we destroy Hamas in Gaza, return all of our hostages and ensure that the Gaza Strip will never again constitute a threat to Israel.”

Pressed on the leaders’ recent conversation, Leavitt emphasised the administration’s unwavering support for Israel. “There is no daylight between the United States of America and the State of Israel,” she said.

She also confirmed that Trump and Netanyahu discussed recent nuclear negotiations with Iran, following a second round of talks that concluded in Rome over the weekend. A third meeting is expected in the coming days.

Leavitt reiterated that the administration’s goal remains to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon — a message Netanyahu also delivered over the weekend.

While Trump has not ruled out potential military action against Iran should diplomacy fail, he has maintained that Israel would lead any strike, with the US offering support.

Trump’s return to the region also follows his controversial proposal earlier this year, suggesting that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip. The plan received little support, especially after several Arab nations expressed concern over Trump’s suggestion that they absorb Palestinian residents from the territory.

By Tamilla Hasanova