CNN - Trump in Saudi Arabia - May 13, 2025
What you need to know
• Trump in Saudi Arabia: The Trump administration signed several new agreements with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, including on military cooperation, as President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought to highlight the countries’ close ties.
Trump praised Middle Eastern leadership in a speech at an investment forum, while also indicating Saudi Arabia may join the Abraham Accords and issuing a stark message to Iran amid nuclear negotiations.
• Plans to lift sanctions on Syria: During the remarks, Trump announced he plans to lift sanctions on Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, a move, he said, that will “give them a chance at greatness.” Trump is expected to informally greet Syria President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday.
• Defense agreements: The White House said earlier Tuesday that Trump had secured a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the US that includes a defense partnership valued at nearly $142 billion.
The US also announced a weapons sale of over $1.4 billion to the UAE, where Trump will travel to later this week as part of his first major international trip of his second term.
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58 min ago
Trump and Saudi crown prince travel to state dinner site in golf cart
From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg
President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are attending a state dinner in Dir’iyah, home of the At-Turaif UNESCO world heritage site.
The pair traveled via golf cart from a tour of new construction projects and Dir’iyah’s old city to the state dinner, which is closed to the press.
Video from the trip shows the president and bin Salman traveling in the front row of a golf cart as traditional Saudi music and dancing are performed in the background.
Trump adviser and tech billionaire Elon Musk was also seen getting into a second golf cart.
53 min ago
Catch up on key moments from Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday
From CNN staff
President Donald Trump speaks during the Saudi-US investment forum at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh on May 13.
President Donald Trump speaks during the Saudi-US investment forum at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh on May 13. FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump spent the day in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he spoke on relations with the Middle East during remarks at a US-Saudi investment forum and signed several agreements with Saudi Arabia’s government.
Catch up below on key moments from Trump’s Wednesday in Saudi Arabia:
Remarks at US-Saudi investment forum: Trump touted the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, saying “the transformation that has occurred under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed has been truly extraordinary.”
He also expressed his “dream” that Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords — the treaties negotiated during Trump’s first term between several Arab nations and Israel — but indicated that the country would only normalize relations with Israel when it is ready.
He announced that he plans to lift sanctions on Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, which he said will “give them a chance at greatness,” and offered a stark message to Iran as his team remains in negotiations with the country, casting it as a “time to choose” how Iran proceeds as he warned it can “never have a nuclear weapon.”
Signing of several agreements: The Trump administration earlier on Tuesday entered into several new agreements with the government of Saudi Arabia, including on military cooperation. At a formal signing ceremony in a gilded ballroom at Riyadh’s Royal Court, Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed memoranda of understanding, letters of intent, and other executive agreements spanning different government agencies.
$600 billion investment pledge: The White House announced Tuesday that Trump had secured a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the United States, including an expansive defense partnership valued at nearly $142 billion. The agreement represents a new era in US-Saudi relations, reinforcing strategic ties and unlocking immense economic opportunities across critical industries including energy, defense, infrastructure, healthcare, and technology.
What’s expected on Wednesday: Trump will be traveling to Qatar for the next leg of his Middle East trip after meetings in Riyadh. He is expected to informally greet Syria President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh, a White House official confirmed — a significant moment for US-Syria relations.
Blanket hold on DOJ political nominees: Meanwhile back in the US, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he is placing a blanket hold on all Justice Department political nominees until he receives answers on Trump’s plan to accept a jet from the Qatari royal family to be retrofitted as Air Force One.
CNN’s Betsy Klein, Samantha Waldenberg, Alejandra Jaramillo, Morgan Rimmer and Shania Shelton contributed reporting to this post.
2 hr 30 min ago
Trump says Rubio will travel to Turkey for possible Russia-Ukraine talks
From CNN's Alejandra Jaramillo
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Istanbul for potential Thursday talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
“I’ve also been working relentlessly to end the terrible bloodshed between Russia and Ukraine and, very importantly, talks are being held in Turkey later this week, probably on Thursday, and they could produce some pretty good results,” Trump said during remarks at a Saudi-US investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Our people are going to be going there, Marco is going to be going there, others are going to be going,” he said. “And we’ll see if we can get it done.” Trump added.
CNN previously reported Trump’s possible attendance remains an open question that will largely be dictated by whether Putin attends, according to a senior administration official.
Trump floated the idea Monday, saying, “I don’t know where I’m going to be on Thursday, I’ve got so many meetings, but I was thinking about actually flying over there. There’s a possibility of it, I guess, if I think things can happen.”
Whether Trump attends or not, US envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff both plan to be in Istanbul for the talks, the administration official said.
Some context: Zelensky raised the stakes ahead of a potential meeting with Putin on Thursday by saying he wouldn’t hold talks with any Russian representative other than the president himself.
The Kremlin has so far refused to say whether Putin, or anyone else, would go.
2 hr 47 min ago
Trump announces plan to lift sanctions on Syria
From CNN's Betsy Klein in Riyadh
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he plans to lift sanctions on Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, which he said will “give them a chance at greatness.”
Trump said in remarks to a Saudi investment forum that he made the decision after discussing it with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“Syria, they’ve had their share of travesty, war, killing in many years. That’s why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade,” he said, noting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Syria’s foreign minister in Turkey “later this week.”
The Assad regime fell during the Biden administration in December, and the new administration in Syria has hoped that Trump would consider lifting the punishing sanctions on the country.
“The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important — really an important function — nevertheless, at the time. But now it’s their time to shine,” he added. So I say, ‘Good luck, Syria.’ Show us something very special.”
Trump expressed hope that the country’s new government “will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country in keeping peace.”
New Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa previously founded a militant group known as Jabhat al-Nusra (“the Victory Front” in English), which pledged allegiance to al Qaeda. But in 2016, he broke away from the terror group, according to the US Center for Naval Analyses.
Trump is expected to informally greet al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday, a White House official confirmed earlier Tuesday.
This post has been updated with more on Trump’s remarks.
2 hr 19 min ago
20 states sue Trump administration over tying grants to immigration enforcement
From CNN's Josh Campbell
A coalition of 20 state attorneys general is suing the Trump administration, challenging requirements tying federal grant funding to state participation in ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a news release announcing the legal action on Tuesday, “President Trump doesn’t have the authority to unlawfully coerce state and local governments into using their resources for federal immigration enforcement – and his latest attempt to bully them into doing so is blatantly illegal.”
The collective of top state prosecutors filed two lawsuits in federal court, taking specific aim at conditions they say have been placed on billions of dollars in grants provided by the US Transportation Department and the Department of Homeland Security. In their suits, state officials argue it is Congress, and not the executive branch, that determines federal spending.
The plaintiffs said the grants have nothing to do with immigration, but are instead used for maintaining roadways and airways, counterterrorism efforts, and emergency preparedness.
“The President is threatening to yank funds to improve our roads, keep our planes in the air, prepare for emergencies, and protect against terrorist attacks if states do not fall in line with his demands,” Bonta said. “He’s treating these funds, which have nothing to do with immigration enforcement and everything to do with the safety of our communities, as a bargaining chip.”
The coalition suing the administration on Tuesday included California, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maryland, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
2 hr 54 min ago
Trump indicates Saudi Arabia will join Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel in its "own time"
From CNN's Betsy Klein in Riyadh
US President Donald Trump attends the Saudi-US Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13.
US President Donald Trump attends the Saudi-US Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13. Brian Snyder/Reuters
President Donald Trump expressed his “dream” that Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords — the treaties negotiated during Trump’s first term between several Arab nations and Israel — but indicated that the country would only normalize relations with Israel when it is ready.
Speaking at a Saudi investment forum, Trump lavished praise on Saudi Arabia and its leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he publicly pressured the country to join the agreement, first created in 2020.
“Saudi Arabia — a place I have such respect for, especially over the last fairly short period of time, what you’ve been able to do — will soon be joining the Abraham Accords. I think it will be a tremendous tribute to your country, and will be something that’s really going to be very important for the future of the Middle East,” the president said as the crown prince looked on.
Trump continued, “It will be a special day in the Middle East, with the whole world watching, when Saudi Arabia joins us. And you’ll be greatly honoring me, and you’ll be greatly honoring all of those people that have fought so hard for the Middle East. And I really think it’s going to be something special — but you’ll do it in your own time. And that’s what I want, and that’s what you want, and that’s the way it’s going to be.”
The crown prince, the country’s de facto leader, has stated unequivocally that Riyadh won’t normalize relations with Israel until there is a clear path for Palestinian statehood and a permanent end to the war in Gaza — neither of which appears imminent.
2 hr 51 min ago
Trump says "disaster" is unfolding in Persian Gulf before recalling "they wanted" to name it "Gulf of Iran"
From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg
President Donald Trump addresses the audience at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center while attending a Saudi-US business investment forum, on May 13, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
President Donald Trump addresses the audience at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center while attending a Saudi-US business investment forum, on May 13, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Win McNamee/Getty Images
President Donald Trump said Tuesday in remarks in Saudi Arabia that “disaster” is unfolding in the Persian Gulf, before recalling that “they wanted” to name it “Gulf of Iran.”
“There could be no sharper contrast with the path you have pursued on the Arabian Peninsula, than the disaster unfolding right across in the Gulf of Iran. Think of that. They wanted to name it that. I said they’re not going to let them do that,” the president said while speaking at an US-Saudi investment forum.
The president had been planning to have the US begin referring to the gulf as the “Gulf of Arabia” or the “Arabian Gulf.” However, those plans shifted in the days that followed, a source familiar with the talks told CNN, as Iran officials made clear they would vociferously oppose such a move.
Arab nations have long pushed for the Persian Gulf, the body of water off the southern coast of Iran, to be renamed to reflect their countries. But Trump’s comments appear to acknowledge that the move would anger Iranians, who have long pushed for the body of water off the southern cost of their country to continue being referred to as the Persian Gulf.
CNN’s Alayna Treene contributed reporting to this post.
2 hr 49 min ago
Trump issues stark message to Iran amid nuclear negotiations, calls it a "time to choose"
From CNN's Betsy Klein in Riyadh
President Donald Trump offered a stark message to Iran as his team remains in negotiations with the country, casting it as a “time to choose” how Iran proceeds as he warned it can “never have a nuclear weapon.”
“In the case of Iran, I have never believed in having permanent enemies. I am different than a lot of people think. I don’t like permanent enemies. Sometimes you need enemies to do the job, and you have to do it right. Enemies get you motivated,” Trump said during remarks to a Saudi investment forum.
He continued, “I want to make a deal with Iran. I can make a deal with Iran. I’ll be very happy if we’re going to make your region and the world a safer place.”
Led by Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and mediated by Oman, four rounds of talks have taken place, most recently on Sunday, with plans to move forward.
But Trump reiterated Tuesday his previous warnings that failure to reach an agreement will result in “maximum pressure” from the US.
“If Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive, maximum pressure … and take all action required to stop the regime from ever having a nuclear weapon. Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said, offering the alternative of a “much brighter future” should a deal be struck.
“We’ll never allow America and its allies to be threatened with terrorism or nuclear attack. The choice is theirs to make. … This is an offer that will not last forever. The time is right now for them to choose — right now,” he said.
3 hr 33 min ago
NOW: Trump delivers remarks at US-Saudi investment forum
From CNN staff
President Donald Trump attends the Saudi-US Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13.
President Donald Trump attends the Saudi-US Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13. Brian Snyder/Reuters
President Donald Trump is speaking at the US-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is praising Middle Eastern leaders and touting agreements with the region.
“The transformation that has occurred under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed has been truly extraordinary,” Trump said.
Trump’s remarks come as he is traveling through the Middle East on his first major international trip and meets with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The Trump administration has already signed several new agreements with Saudi Arabia’s government, including on military cooperation. The president is later expected to tour the Dir’iyah and At-Turaif UNESCO world heritage site before a dinner with the crown prince.
The White House also announced on Tuesday that Trump has secured a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the United States. The announcement followed a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Riyadh and includes an expansive defense partnership valued at nearly $142 billion.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk is also in Saudi Arabia, where he attended the forum in his capacity as CEO of X. Musk also serves as a senior adviser to Trump and runs the US Department of Government Efficiency.
This post has been updated with Trump’s remarks.
3 hr 53 min ago
Trump will praise "new generation" of Middle Eastern leadership in speech in Saudi Arabia
From CNN's Betsy Klein in Riyadh
President Donald Trump will herald a “new generation” of Middle Eastern leadership after a day spent underscoring close economic ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh Tuesday, according to excerpts from his prepared remarks.
“A new generation of leaders is transcending the ancient conflicts and tired divisions of the past, and forging a future where the Middle East is defined by commerce, not chaos; where it exports technology, not terrorism; and where people of different nations, religions, and creeds are building cities together, not bombing each other,” Trump will say, according to the prepared remarks.
He will continue, “After so many decades of conflict, finally it is within our grasp to reach the future that generations before us could only dream about — a land of peace, safety, harmony, opportunity, innovation, and achievement right here in the Middle East.”
Trump also offered a stark message to Tehran as his representatives work to come to a nuclear deal with Irand. Top Trump envoy Steve Witkoff has just completed a fourth round of talks with his Iranian counterparts, with negotiations expected to move forward in the coming days.
“I am here today not merely to condemn the past choices of Iran’s leaders, but to offer them a new and a better path toward a much more hopeful future,” he will say, adding, “As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound.”
Trump will also point to Lebanon and Syria as areas of opportunity, saying his administration “stands ready to help Lebanon create a future of economic development and peace with its neighbors” and expressing hope that Syria’s new regime “will succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace.”
4 hr ago
Trump expected to greet Syria president Wednesday as new regime hopes for movement on sanctions
From CNN's Betsy Klein in Riyadh and Samantha Waldenberg in Washington
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa attends the closing ceremony of Syrian National Dialogue Conference at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria on February 25.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa attends the closing ceremony of Syrian National Dialogue Conference at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria on February 25. Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images
President Donald Trump is expected to informally greet Syria President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday, a White House official confirmed — a significant moment for US-Syria relations.
The White House is characterizing their meeting, first reported by Axios, as a “hello.”
Additionally, Trump will express hopes for the Syrian government’s success in a speech in Riyadh on Tuesday.
“In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that we must all hope will succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace,” he will say in remarks Tuesday, according to excerpts shared by the White House.
In Syria, al-Sharaa previously founded a militant group known as Jabhat al-Nusra (“the Victory Front” in English), which pledged allegiance to al Qaeda. But in 2016, he broke away from the terror group, according to the US Center for Naval Analyses.
The greeting between him and Trump would mark their first engagement. The Assad regime fell during the Biden administration in December, and the new administration in Syria is hopeful that Trump will consider lifting punishing sanctions on the country.
3 hr 52 min ago
Arab American who campaigned for Trump shuttled messages between Hamas, US envoy to help secure hostage's release
From CNN's Kylie Atwood
Bishara Bahbah, who led the group Arab Americans for Trump during the 2024 campaign, acted as a critical back channel between Hamas and President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy in the talks that helped secure the Monday release of Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander, according to a source with direct knowledge of the talks.
The conversations between Bahbah and Hamas began in April when the group reached out with a proposal it wanted to share with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, the source said.
Over the course of the conversations, Bahbah sent an article to Witkoff that called for direct talks between the US and Hamas to secure the release of Alexander, who was the last known living American hostage in Gaza.
Witkoff said Alexander’s release would be viewed as a gesture of goodwill by Hamas and a game-changer by Trump, the source said.
Bahbah relayed that message back to Hamas, which then began the talks leading to securing Alexander’s release.
Before communications began in April, Bahbah had never been in touch with Hamas, the source said. But he began calling and messaging with the group frequently, establishing a level of confidence that was critical, the source added.
Axios was first to report on Bahbah’s role in Alexander’s release.
Bahbah’s role was kept quiet when Alexander was released on Monday after 18 months as a hostage, with Trump thanking Egypt and Qatar for serving as mediators.
Bahbah, who lives in Arizona, rallied Arab Americans to support Trump during the 2024 campaign. During that period, he spoke with members of Trump’s inner circle but didn’t have contact with Witkoff.
4 hr 14 min ago
US secures $600 billion investment pledge in Saudi Arabia, White House says
From CNN's Alejandra Jaramillo
The White House announced on Tuesday that President Trump has secured a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the United States. The announcement followed a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh and includes an expansive defense partnership valued at nearly $142 billion.
Described by the White House as a “historic and transformative” moment, the agreement represents a new era in US-Saudi relations, reinforcing strategic ties and unlocking immense economic opportunities across critical industries including energy, defense, infrastructure, healthcare, and technology.
More on the agreement: The agreement includes a defense sales package and encompasses cutting-edge military equipment and services from over a dozen American defense firms and aims to modernize Saudi Arabia’s armed forces in key areas such as AI, defense, energy, infrastructure, and healthcare.
At the forefront of the agreement is a $20 billion pledge from Saudi data infrastructure leader DataVolt to develop AI data centers and energy infrastructure throughout the United States. In addition, US tech giants like Google, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber, will jointly invest $80 billion alongside Saudi partners to drive innovation in emerging technologies across both nations.
The agreement also focuses on a record-breaking $142 billion defense deal, encompassing air and missile defense, space systems, naval and coastal security, and military modernization. More than a dozen US defense firms are set to benefit, with the agreement also including extensive training programs and initiatives to strengthen the capabilities of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces, according to a White House fact sheet.
4 hr 43 min ago
Schumer announces blanket hold on DOJ political nominees as he demands answers on Qatari plane
From CNN's Morgan Rimmer
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters at the Capitol building in Washington, on May 8.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters at the Capitol building in Washington, on May 8. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Tuesday that he is placing a blanket hold on all Justice Department political nominees until he receives answers on President Donald Trump’s plan to accept a jet from the Qatari royal family to be retrofitted as Air Force One.
A blanket hold does not mean that the Senate is unable to confirm these nominees, but it does force the Senate GOP to burn valuable floor time to overcome the hold. Only a simple majority vote is needed to overcome the hold.
“News of the Qatari government gifting Donald Trump a $400 million private jet to use as Air Force One is so corrupt that even Putin would give a double take,” argued Schumer. “This is not just naked corruption, it is also a grave national security threat.”
“So, in light of the deeply troubling news of a possible Qatari-funded Air Force One, and the reports that the Attorney General personally signed off on this clearly unethical deal, I am announcing a hold on all DOJ political nominees, until we get more answers,” he added.
CNN previously reported that several Republican senators have misgivings about Trump’s plans.
Trump confirmed on Sunday night that the Defense Department plans to accept a Boeing 747-8 jet to replace Air Force One as a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE.”
Given the massive value of a Boeing 747-8, the move is unprecedented and raises substantial ethical and legal questions.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to weigh in on the Trump administration’s plans to accept a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family to use as Air Force One.
CNN’s Alison Main contributed reporting to this post. This post has been updated with more reporting on Schumer’s announcement.
5 hr 40 min ago
Trump signs several agreements with Saudis, including on military cooperation
From CNN's Betsy Klein
President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak during a meeting at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak during a meeting at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Alex Brandon/AP
The Trump administration entered into several new agreements with the government of Saudi Arabia Tuesday as President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman seek to highlight close ties between the two countries.
At a formal signing ceremony in a gilded ballroom at Riyadh’s Royal Court, the two leaders signed memoranda of understanding, letters of intent, and other executive agreements spanning different government agencies.
Multiple focused on the two countries’ military cooperation, including the “modernization and development of the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces through future defense capabilities,” enhanced cooperation on “ammunition training, support services, maintenance system upgrades, spare parts and education for land and air systems of the National Guard,” and the “development of the health capabilities of the Saudi armed forces.”
The moment underscored deepening cooperation between the two countries as the crown prince has sought to position himself as a key US ally.
Other agreements were signed, including cooperation between the nations’ customs authorities, on “medical research related to infectious diseases,” “judicial cooperation” and a partnership between the Saudi Ministry of Interior and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others.
5 hr 48 min ago
US negotiators believe there is a "genuine" chance for progress in Qatar talks, hostage families forum says
From CNN's Dana Karni, Tamar Michaelis, Mostafa Salem and Alex Marquardt
US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff leaves after a meeting with hostage families in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff leaves after a meeting with hostage families in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images
Steve Witkoff, the US envoy for the Middle East, said he believes there is a “genuine” chance for progress in hostage talks in the Qatari capital Doha, the Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Doha talks will coincide with US President Donald Trump’s tour of the Middle East. He is expected to arrive in Qatar on Wednesday.
Former hostages and family members of some still being held in Gaza are heading to Doha on Tuesday, a person familiar with their plans told CNN. They are expected to meet with senior American officials in the Qatari capital Wednesday.
There’s a hope they will be able to see Trump as well but plans are in flux and still being finalized, the person said. It’s a small group of about half a dozen individuals, both American and Israeli.
Witkoff and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler met hostage families for two hours in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, where they emphasized their “personal commitment” to release the remaining 58 hostages held in Gaza, the forum said.
According to the forum, Witkoff said he would prefer to see a diplomatic solution to bring the hostages home, and that most “captivity survivors have been released through diplomatic means.”
“He assured the families that if he and Boehler didn’t believe there was a genuine chance for progress in negotiations, they wouldn’t be making the trip to Doha,” the forum said.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed a negotiating team to leave for talks in Qatar, but he made clear that he is committed to the Witkoff proposal, which would see the release of half the hostages in return for a temporary ceasefire. The proposal does not guarantee an end to the war.
This post has been updated with more reporting on the hostage talks.
6 hr 30 min ago
Here are 3 reasons why Trump's Middle East trip is important to him
From CNN staff
President Donald Trump is shoring up relations with a trio of key Middle Eastern allies during his first major international trip of his second term.
As he prioritizes the Middle East over more traditional partners around the world, there are three possible reasons why the president has made that decision: money, foreign policy and relationships.
Watch in the video below:
Watch on TikTok
6 hr 31 min ago
Trump heaps praise on Saudi crown prince and highlights countries' business ties
From CNN's Betsy Klein in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend a bilateral meeting at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh on Tuesday.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend a bilateral meeting at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh on Tuesday. Win McNamee/Getty Images
President Donald Trump heaped praise on Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and focused on dealmaking Tuesday as the leaders held a bilateral meeting, underscoring both countries’ efforts to develop close ties.
“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said of the crown prince, touting their “tremendous relationship” and calling the visit an “honor.”
Trump said he was “so impressed” with MBS, calling him “very wise, wise beyond his years.” The crown prince has emerged as a key ally and a mediator in Trump’s efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has so far proven elusive. He has worked hard to cultivate close ties to Trump after his country was largely isolated due to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The US president heralded Saudi investment in the US, saying it would create “tremendous numbers of jobs.” He pointed to a previously announced $600 billion investment and joked that it will become “$1 trillion.”
Trump, who views himself as a dealmaker, has focused on publicly highlighting investment deals made during the trip instead of the more delicate and complicated geopolitical backdrop in the region — including the Hamas-Israel conflict and his team’s ongoing efforts to negotiate a nuclear agreement with Iran.
Joined by top officials from both countries, the leaders were seated at the head of a comically large ballroom with their teams on either side.
7 hr 2 min ago
Meanwhile, there are unknowns about Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey, senior Trump administration official says
From CNN’s Kylie Atwood
Top Trump administration officials plan to be in Turkey this week for expected Ukraine-Russia talks on Thursday, but President Donald Trump’s possible attendance remains an open question that will largely be dictated by whether Russian President Vladimir Putin attends, according to a senior administration official.
“It is all very dynamic right now,” the official said, adding that “no one knows much” when it comes to what Thursday will end up looking like.
Trump said yesterday he was considering joining the talks in Turkey if it would be helpful.
“I think you may have a good result out of the Thursday meeting in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump during an event about drug prices at the White House.
“I was thinking about actually flying over there,” he added. “There’s a possibility of it, I guess.”
The possibility of Trump joining “put a lot of pressure on Putin,” the official said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said he will fly to Turkey for the talks, which were initially proposed by Putin and then pushed by Trump.
Whether Trump attends or not, US envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff both plan to be in Istanbul for the talks, the official said. Another source familiar with the plans also confirmed Witkoff’s attendance. As of now, they plan to observe the proposed, Turkish-facilitated talks between the Ukrainians and Russians.
8 hr 43 min ago
Saudis continue warm welcome for Trump at Royal Court
From CNN’s Betsy Klein
Members of a traditional Saudi honor guard escort the car carrying U.S. President Donald Trump during a welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
Members of a traditional Saudi honor guard escort the car carrying U.S. President Donald Trump during a welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Alex Brandon/AP
The pomp and circumstance of President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia continues as the president visited the Royal Court for the start of the day’s events.
A former reality TV star, Trump is acutely aware of the pageantry of a presidential visit, and his hosts provided the president with a warm welcome conveying hospitality and imagery sure to please their guest.
“This is his happy place. His hosts will be generous and hospitable. They’ll be keen to make deals. They’ll flatter him and not criticize him. And they’ll treat his family members as past and future business partners,” Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said ahead of the trip.
Trump’s motorcade was escorted onto the grounds by a fleet of Arabian horses with riders carrying American and Saudi flags. Trumpets sounded as the president emerged from his car and greeted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The leaders stood under a covered pavilion as the national anthems of both countries were played, later walking indoors atop a purple carpet.
Inside an expansive ballroom, Trump, the crown prince, and other top officials from both countries partook in a coffee and tea ceremony, seated in plush purple chairs with gold trim. The warm relationship between Trump and bin Salman was on full display as they chatted comfortably.
Trump and bin Salman then greeted an extended list of high-level officials and business leaders ahead of a planned luncheon. Participants included the leaders of OpenAI, Amazon, NVIDIA, Palantir, Uber, Coca-Cola, Google and Boeing, underscoring the close ties the business community has worked to cultivate with the president during his second term. Elon Musk, a top Trump adviser and CEO of X, SpaceX, and Tesla, was among those greeting the leaders.
8 hr 44 min ago
Saudi crown prince shakes hands with Musk and other tech CEOs at Royal Court in Riyadh
From CNN’s Antoinette Radford and Mostafa Salem
Tesla CEO Elon Musk looks on as he visits Riyadh with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk looks on as he visits Riyadh with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Brian Snyder/Reuters
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has greeted big tech CEOs at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh, as he meets with US President Donald Trump.
Standing next to Trump, bin Salman shook hands with Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang and the leader of OpenAI, Sam Altman.
The business leaders are expected to attend a US-Saudi investment forum today.
9 hr 9 min ago
The Trump family is rapidly expanding their business in the Middle East
From CNN's Curt Devine, Isabelle Chapman and Majlie de Puy Kamp
The Trump family’s business ties to the Middle East have more than tripled since the president’s first term in office, a CNN tally of the deals has found, including a slew of new projects announced since he reclaimed the White House.
Amid the ongoing plans for luxury skyscrapers, golf courses and cryptocurrency deals in the region, Donald Trump is traveling to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week not only as US president, but also as the patriarch of a family whose business empire continues to expand in that part of the world.
His financial ties to the Middle East have prompted concerns among government ethicists who say it’s difficult to determine whether he’s acting in the best interest of the United States or his pocketbook.
“When the American people elect a president, they expect that person to work for them, not for profit,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, a consumer rights advocacy group. Such financial links, Weissman and other watchdogs say, create an opportunity for foreign powers to seek to sway United States policy through those lucrative business deals.
But Trump has moved full steam ahead. Read more about the family’s expanding business here.
9 hr 3 min ago
A purple carpet rolled out and trumpets sounded as Trump and bin Salman arrived at Royal Court
From CNN's Antoinette Radford
US President Donald Trump walks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official state arrival ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday.
US President Donald Trump walks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an official state arrival ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. Win McNamee/Getty Images
Trumpets sounded as President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman crossed an outdoor lavender carpet to stand under a pavilion during an arrival ceremony at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh.
Trump saluted during the US national anthem then put his hands at his sides for the Saudi one.
He later shook hands with many Saudi dignitaries.
The purple carpet — instead of a red one — is notable. In 2021, Saudi Arabian officials announced they would roll out this color as a way of celebrating Saudi national identity. According to the government, lavender “is associated with blossoming wildflowers” and “is a symbol of Saudi generosity.”
US President Donald Trump, center, is welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump, center, is welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Brian Snyder/Reuters
This post has been updated with more information about the carpet.
9 hr 24 min ago
Ahead of his Middle East trip, Trump said Iranians were being "very reasonable" in nuclear talks
From CNN’s Nadeen Ebrahim
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the Iranians were being “very reasonable” and “talking very intelligently” in negotiations with Washington over Tehran’s nuclear program.
“Soon I’m heading over to the Middle East, and we’ll see what we’ll do in regards to Iran. I think you have some very good things happening there,” Trump told reporters.
“They can’t have a nuclear weapon, but I think they’re talking very intelligently. We are in the midst of talking to them, and they’re acting very smart and very intelligent,” he said. “I think they’re being very reasonable thus far.”
Trump stopped short of demanding that Iran end its uranium enrichment program altogether, which US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Friday said was a “red line” for Washington.
Some background: Iran has said it will not surrender its right to enrich uranium, a nuclear fuel that can be used to build a weapon if enriched to high levels. The country has long insisted it does not want a nuclear weapon and that its program is for energy purposes.
Trump’s remarks come as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was winding up a visit to the same three countries on Trump’s Middle East tour. Araghchi also made a stop in Oman on Sunday for nuclear talks with US officials, which the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson later described as “difficult.”
A senior Trump administration official gave a more positive assessment of the talks, telling CNN the discussions were encouraging.
Nour News, an outlet close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said on Tuesday that Araghchi’s visit to Gulf states ahead of Trump’s tour shows “a strategic model” espoused by Tehran, in which “active diplomacy and decisive deterrence complement and enhance each other.”
“Iran is trying to make regional and extra-regional parties aware of the security realities of the Persian Gulf,” Nour News said, adding that Tehran sees Gulf Arab states’ “neutrality” in a potential US conflict with Iran as “no longer enough,” and that “the current situation requires these countries to move from a passive stance to active participation in ensuring regional security and preventing military conflict.”
9 hr 3 min ago
Bessent says he believes Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will become permanent
From CNN’s Olesya Dmitracova
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on May 7.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on May 7. Nathan Howard/Reuters
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is optimistic the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law during President Donald Trump’s first term, will be extended this year and become permanent.
“I believe that we will have it passed this summer, and we will make the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent,” he said Tuesday at a Saudi-US Investment forum in Riyadh.
Bessent is accompanying Trump on his visit to the Middle East. Trump is also expected to speak at the investment forum later Tuesday.
Bessent added that the tax cuts act would have new features that are “very friendly to capital.”
“We’re going to bring back 100% expensing,” he said. “If you build a factory in the US, you can expense it immediately. The equipment for that factory can be expensed in the first year. And we think that that will be very powerful. That was the most powerful aspect of driving (economic) growth and jobs during President Trump’s first term.”
10 hr 6 min ago
What won't be spoken about on Trump's Middle East trip is just as important as what will
From CNN's Betsy Klein
As he travels the Middle East on his first major international trip of his second term, President Donald Trump will meet with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
But some of the most significant aspects of the trip are topics that are not expected to be discussed publicly by Trump or his counterparts.
Human rights: It is unclear whether Trump will publicly discuss Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its treatment of women. The Saudi government has said it has a “deep commitment” to fostering “opportunities for every Saudi citizen.”
Trump’s personal financial interests: The Trump Organization, which is being run by the president’s sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, is involved in major real estate projects in each of the countries he will visit. None of the president’s family members are expected to join him on the trip.
Speaking in Dubai last month, Eric Trump stressed the importance of ties between the US and Gulf countries.
“This whole region is dependent on a strong America. And I hear that time and time again. I hear that from the biggest leaders in the Gulf,” he said, according to Reuters.
10 hr 34 min ago
Analysis: There are major problems with Trump’s plan to accept a jet from Qatar
From CNN's Zachary B. Wolf
A Boeing 747 sits on the tarmac of Palm Beach International airport after US President Donald Trump toured the aircraft on February 15.
A Boeing 747 sits on the tarmac of Palm Beach International airport after US President Donald Trump toured the aircraft on February 15. Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images
When sultans tried to give President Martin Van Buren lavish gifts, he did what the Constitution requires and asked Congress what to do.
Two live lions had been gifted to Van Buren by the Sultan of Morocco at the US consulate in Tangiers in 1839 and the Sultan of Oman tried to give him “horses, pearls and other things of value,” delivered by ships in 1840.
Congress told Van Buren those gifts were not OK. The lions went to a zoo and the horses were sold. The Van Buren pearls are in the Smithsonian.
In contrast, President Donald Trump very much wants to accept a luxury $400 million Boeing 747 from the royal family of Qatar to be used as Air Force One.
After Trump’s term ends, when a long-delayed brand-new set of Air Force One planes from Boeing might be ready, the luxury jet would go to Trump’s presidential library.
The legal details are “still being worked out,” the White House said, and Qatar said that no decision has been made.
There are major problems with Trump’s plan:
Legal: If Trump were to accept a luxury jet, it would seem to violate the Constitution’s emoluments clause, which is pretty clear that a president must ask Congress for permission.
Ethical: Jessica Tillipman, a professor at George Washington University Law School, told CNN: “There’s a reason why past presidents have either divested those interests or put them in a blind trust, because it creates those concerns that a president may be acting for his own private gain over public interest.”
Security: It’s hard to believe the Secret Service would ever trust a plane that was used by a foreign government, according to Garrett Graf, a presidential historian.
Read the full analysis.
10 hr 56 min ago
Here's who is headed to lunch with Trump and the Saudi crown prince
From CNN’s Betsy Klein
Prominent US business leaders are expected to attend a lunch today in Riyadh at the Saudi Royal Court with President Donald Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other top officials.
The heads of Amazon, NVIDIA, OpenAI, Palantir, Uber, Coca-Cola, Google and Boeing are among those expected to be there, according to a list of attendees provided by the White House.
Tesla, SpaceX, and X owner Elon Musk, who is also a senior adviser to the president and runs the US Department of Government Efficiency, is also expected to attend in his capacity as a CEO.
And Dina Powell, a Trump administration official during his first term and now the vice chairman of BDT & MSD bank and wife to Sen. David McCormick of Pennsylvania, is also on the list, as is Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
11 hr 16 min ago
What do Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar want from Trump's trip?
From CNN's Nadeen Ebrahim and Abbas Al Lawati
President Donald Trump, left, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak during a coffee ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump, left, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak during a coffee ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Alex Brandon/AP
Each of the nations President Donald Trump is visiting has a list of priorities. Here’s what they want from the US:
Saudi Arabia: “Gulf States are looking for reassurance of the US security commitment to the Gulf’s stability,” said Ali Shihabi, a commentator on Saudi Arabia.
Last year, the US and Saudi Arabia came close to finalizing a defense and trade pact – but the deal stalled over Saudi insistence that Israel commit to a path toward Palestinian statehood.
Riyadh is also seeking US cooperation to develop a civil nuclear program, but that has been held up over its insistence on enriching uranium domestically – raising concerns in the US and Israel over nuclear weapons proliferation.
White House backing for a Saudi nuclear program could see American firms win lucrative contracts.
But for Riyadh to diversify away from oil, it still needs to sell oil to fund that transition. Trump has said he wants oil prices lower, putting him at odds with Saudi Arabia.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE sees investment as central to its strategy for deepening ties with the US. In March, it announced a $1.4 trillion investment plan over 10 years focused on AI, semiconductors, manufacturing, and energy.
“The UAE sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a significant contributor in AI and advanced technology,” Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told CNN.
But it won’t be easy for Abu Dhabi to achieve its stated goal of becoming a global leader in AI by 2031 without US chips.
Qatar: The country hosts the biggest US military installation in the Middle East, which the State Department describes as “indispensable” for US military operations in the region.
Qatar has also been a key mediator in a number of conflicts – from the war in Gaza to Afghanistan. Experts say it is part of an effort to remain relevant in the eyes of Washington.
12 hr ago
Trump receives royal Saudi welcome from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
From CNN’s Betsy Klein
President Donald Trump walks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an arrival ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump walks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an arrival ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Alex Brandon/AP
US President Donald Trump received a royal Saudi welcome Tuesday as he arrived in the capital, Riyadh, descending Air Force One on purple-carpeted steps to a greeting from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Trump and the crown prince greeted each other warmly and walked the tarmac together, also briefly speaking to top Saudi officials before entering the airport, where they were seated in plush purple chairs with gold trim underneath portraits of Saudi royal family members.
They were joined by top US officials — Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright — as well as Saudi officials, who each sat in purple chairs alongside.
Prince bin Salman has emerged as a key Trump ally who has been involved in US efforts to mediate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. He has worked to cultivate close ties to Trump, starting in the president’s first term, and was among the first world leaders to congratulate him after his swearing-in in January.
Choosing Riyadh as the first stop on his first major international trip of his second term underscores how Trump is seeking to prioritize and empower the Arab state from its isolation following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
CNN’s Kevin Liptak and Jeff Zeleny contributed to this report.
12 hr 5 min ago
Trump’s visit is an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to "showcase what it has to offer," expert says
From CNN’s Tala Alrajjal and Nadeen Ebrahim
President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at an arrival ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at an arrival ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Alex Brandon/AP
For Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump’s visit is an opportunity for the kingdom to showcase what it has to offer as the Middle East rapidly changes, a regional expert said.
“It’ll be a key moment and a real opportunity to showcase what Saudi has to offer,” Dina Esfandiary, Middle East lead for Bloomberg Economics, told CNN’s Becky Anderson on Tuesday.
“The leadership in Riyadh will try to demonstrate that it is a stable country with a ‘no problem with neighbors policy,’ that it is open for investment, that it has a lot of big, heavy-hitting ideas,” she said.
Trump’s visit will also be a chance for Riyadh to “set some red lines on what it wants the US to do in the region and with the conflicts in the region,” she said, adding that today’s Middle East is very different from the one Trump visited during his first term.
Saudi Arabia has been engaging with former adversary Iran, and is wary of getting embroiled in any military confrontation between Tehran, the US and Israel.
The Saudis are “supportive of any kind of de-escalation talks,” Esfandiary.
Trump is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. He will also make stops in Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates this week. The trip echoes Trump’s first international trip as president in 2017.
12 hr 18 min ago
Musk is in Saudi Arabia during Trump’s visit, and is listed as an investment forum speaker
From CNN’s Betsy Klein and Becky Anderson
Tech billionaire Elon Musk will be in Saudi Arabia during President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom, a White House official has told CNN.
Musk traveled to Saudi Arabia independently of Air Force One, according to the official.
Musk is expected to attend a US-Saudi investment forum in his capacity as CEO of X, a senior Saudi official told CNN.
The forum, scheduled for later Tuesday, listed Musk as one of the featured speakers on its website.
About the forum: The event’s website said it aims to bring “together major Saudi and American investors.” Larry Fink from US investment giant BlackRock and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang are also among those listed as forum speakers.
8 hr 52 min ago
Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia, kicking off first major international trip of his second term
From CNN's Betsy Klein
President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport Royal Terminal in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport Royal Terminal in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Alex Brandon/AP
President Donald Trump has landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, kicking off his first major international trip of his second term.
Air Force One was wheels down at 2:49 a.m. ET (9:49 a.m. local time).
A royal purple carpet has been rolled out for an official greeting at the Royal Terminal. Trump will be met by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the leaders will have a coffee ceremony inside the airport before the president heads to his hotel.
The pomp and circumstance of the official state visit are already on display: the streets of Riyadh on the route from the airport to downtown are decorated with American and Saudi flags commemorating the official state visit. And Saudi F-15 military jets escorted Air Force One in on approach, according to a social media post from Trump deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and reports from pool reporters traveling with the president.
Later Tuesday, Trump will attend a more formal arrival ceremony with the crown prince, an introduction of the delegations, a lunch with CEOs, bilateral meetings, and an agreement signing of the Royal Court.
He is expected to give remarks at a US-Saudi Investment Forum, and later tour Dir’iyah and At-Turaif UNESCO world heritage site before a dinner with the crown prince.
12 hr 50 min ago
US announces $1.4 billion weapons sale to UAE ahead of Trump visit
From CNN's Alex Marquardt
A U.S. Army Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter stands at Rzeszow Airport, Poland, on March 10, 2022.
A U.S. Army Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter stands at Rzeszow Airport, Poland, on March 10, 2022. Christophe Gateau/picture alliance/Getty Images/File
The US has announced a weapons sale of over $1.4 billion to the United Arab Emirates, just days before US President Donald Trump is set to visit.
The sale, which the State Department said was approved and notified to Congress, includes $1.3 billion for Chinook helicopters and $130 million for parts and support for F-16 fighter jets.
Trump’s final stop on his trip to the Middle East will be to the UAE, which has committed to spending $1.4 trillion in US investments over 10 years.
The UAE visit is expected to result in the announcement of a slew of financial deals between the two countries that would include investments focused on AI, semiconductors, manufacturing, and energy.
Trump could also announce a major arms sale to Saudi Arabia — his first stop on the regional trip.
This year, Democratic lawmakers — who are in the minority in both houses of Congress — have opposed arms sales to the UAE. In January, Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Sara Jacobs called out the UAE for providing weapons to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
On Monday, the same day the latest sale was announced, Sen. Chris Murphy said he would seek to block sales to the UAE over an Abu Dhabi-backed investment firm’s $2 billion investment in Trump’s crypto venture.
12 hr 50 min ago
Analysis: Netanyahu is again watching from the sidelines during Trump’s Middle East trip
From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Jeremy Diamond
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump attend a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on February 4.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump attend a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on February 4. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The first stop was Riyadh. Just a few months into his new administration, the president of the US met the king of Saudi Arabia as part of an effort to push forward relations with the Arab world.
From there, it was off to another regional capital, where the leader of the free world gave a speech about a new vision for the Middle East.
Conspicuously missing from the itinerary was a stop in Israel.
The year was 2009, and the president was Barack Obama. His decision not to visit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had just returned to office, was viewed as an insult. It marked the beginning of what many to this day see as Obama’s fractured relationship with Israel, and particularly with the country’s longest-serving leader.
But as President Donald Trump begins his first visit to the region in his second term, the same elephant sits in the same corner of the Oval Office. Israel is once again not on the itinerary.
Trump had already blindsided Israel several times – announcing talks with Iran, a deal with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and direct talks with Hamas – Israeli officials are concerned another surprise could be coming.
Israeli officials tried to inquire about the possibility of a stop in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv during Trump’s trip, according to a source. But the president doused the flicker of those hopes last week.
Trump might have been persuaded to add the visit to his itinerary if he could claim some sort of victory, whether it be a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, a humanitarian aid plan, or something else. But with Israel poised to expand its war in Gaza, there are no such deliverables.
Read the full analysis.
12 hr 50 min ago
Key things to watch in Trump's first major international trip of his second term
From CNN's Betsy Klein
President Donald Trump’s trip to the Middle East offers him the chance to notch a few economic wins and highlight deepening partnerships.
This is the first major international trip of his second term — last month Trump traveled to the Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Here’s what we’ll be watching:
Pomp and circumstance: Trump’s counterparts are likely to roll out the literal and figurative red carpet for the American president. In 2017, Trump’s likeness was projected onto the side of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh, and there could be similar efforts to welcome him this time by world leaders seen as friendly to his administration.
Trump is also expected to visit with service members at the US air base in Qatar.
During the president’s 2017 trip to Saudi Arabia, an image of the Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud holding a glowing orb at a counterterrorism center in Riyadh spawned memes around the world; we’re watching to see what this trip’s orb might be.
Deliverables: Trump’s top priority is to procure “economic agreements” with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates that would enhance their investments in America, multiple Trump administration officials said.
Experts expect Trump to pressure his counterparts to bring down the price of oil, an effort by the president to make good on a key campaign promise to lower everyday costs.
The specter of Iran: The trip comes at a critical moment for US nuclear talks with Iran, led by Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who has emerged as a top adviser and diplomat. Witkoff led a fourth round of high-stakes talks with his Iranian counterparts in Oman on Sunday.
Read more about Trump’s trip.
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