May 13, 2025 | Washington, D.C. —President Donald Trump is re-entering the global diplomatic arena with renewed focus on the Middle East, as speculation about a 2028 presidential run gains momentum. Trump's team is reportedly making quiet inroads with Israeli and Gulf Arab leaders to revive and expand the Abraham Accords—his landmark initiative that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations during his first term.
While out of office, Trump has continued to tout the Accords as a “historic breakthrough” in Middle East diplomacy, and now he is actively working behind the scenes to bring more Muslim-majority countries into the fold, with Saudi Arabia as a central focus.
Eye on Riyadh
Saudi Arabia remains the biggest prize for Trump’s diplomatic ambitions. Despite previous U.S. administrations failing to bring the Kingdom into formal normalization with Israel, Trump believes that his personal rapport with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) could pave the way. In recent months, advisors with ties to both Trump and Gulf leaders have reportedly reopened informal dialogue channels.
While the Biden administration made progress toward a potential U.S.-Saudi-Israel agreement in 2023, talks stalled due to complications over Saudi demands for a U.S. defense pact and nuclear cooperation. Trump’s renewed involvement may aim to simplify or renegotiate terms, banking on his transactional approach to foreign policy.
Palestinian Question Lingers
One of the most persistent obstacles remains the lack of movement on the Israeli-Palestinian front. The Abraham Accords largely bypassed the Palestinian Authority, and critics argue that normalization without addressing core issues—settlements, sovereignty, and the status of Jerusalem—risks deepening regional divisions.
Nevertheless, Trump aides claim there is growing openness among moderate Arab states to prioritize regional cooperation and counter Iran over immediate Palestinian statehood. Trump is reportedly exploring indirect ways to bring Palestinian voices to the table—possibly through economic incentives or regional development deals.
Legacy and 2028 Ambitions
Trump’s reengagement in the region isn’t just about geopolitics. With the 2024 election behind him and the Republican Party in flux, Trump is positioning himself as the GOP’s foreign policy statesman ahead of a possible 2028 run. Allies see the Middle East as unfinished business—and potentially a headline achievement to contrast with Democratic leadership.
“Trump sees peace in the Middle East not just as a global win, but a personal brand triumph,” said a former senior White House official. “He believes he’s the only one who can finish the deal.”
While critics remain skeptical, citing Trump's unorthodox methods and polarizing leadership, his supporters argue that his willingness to upend traditional diplomacy led to unprecedented agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
As tensions continue across the Middle East—from Gaza to Iran—Trump’s diplomatic push arrives at a sensitive time. But whether it’s a serious bid for peace or a prelude to political resurgence, his re-entry into the foreign policy spotlight is already reshaping conversations in Washington and beyond.
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