In his inaugural address on January 20, the 47th US President, Donald Trump, along with announcing far-reaching political reforms, declared that he wanted to leave his legacy as a “man of peace.” Even before taking the oath, Trump pledged to end the conflict in Gaza and the war between Ukraine and Russia. Before taking office, Trump had brokered a temporary peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, including a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages from both sides. This policy of conflict prevention bodes well for world peace, but the sustainability of peace initiatives and the potential for future conflict pose the real challenge ahead.
In his political address, President Donald Trump launched a series of assertive policies in the Middle East aimed at reshaping the geopolitical landscape in the region. These strategies have sparked considerable controversy and concern among Concerned international parties . The following are the most prominent policy initiatives of the new US administration:
Proposal to Seize the Gaza Strip
This is one of the most controversial initiatives, and it came after President Trump’s proposal that the United States “seize” the Gaza Strip. The plan, unveiled during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 4, 2025, calls for the transfer of approximately two million Palestinians to neighboring countries, followed by the redevelopment of Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump has not ruled out the use of US military forces to achieve this goal. The proposal has faced widespread condemnation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described it as “ethnic cleansing,” while the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab states rejected the plan, asserting that it would further destabilize the region. Of course, Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed support for this initiative, viewing it as a final solution to ongoing security concerns. It is highly likely that this is merely political rhetoric to compel Arab states to build settlements in the shattered Gaza Strip and then transfer final control to Israel! The Position on Iran
The Trump administration has also intensified its focus on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its aspirations to impose an inevitable reality in the region and the world regarding its pursuit of a strategic nuclear weapon. Prime Minister Netanyahu is actively seeking US support for a possible military action against Iranian nuclear sites, with the aim of neutralizing perceived threats and eliminating Iran’s nuclear dream. While President Trump has indicated his preference for negotiating a new non-nuclear agreement with Iran, although he has not ruled out the possibility of military intervention.. The United States demands that Iran completely abandon its nuclear program before any negotiations can begin. Netanyahu’s recent statement about “ending the game with Iran” is a veiled threat to launch an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Regional Implications and Reactions
It is only natural that these policies will have profound repercussions for the Middle East and the world alike. The proposed takeover of Gaza risks igniting further conflict, as the forced displacement of millions of Palestinians could lead to widespread unrest and humanitarian crises. This plan has already united Arab states in its opposition, with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates collaborating to formulate a viable alternative that addresses Palestinian self-determination and regional security.
Regarding Iran, the prospect of US-backed military action is heightening tensions and could lead to a wider regional conflict. Analysts warn that the window for diplomatic solutions is narrowing as Iran continues to develop its nuclear capabilities. The international community remains divided, with some calling for renewed negotiations and others supporting a more hawkish approach.
The Trump Administration’s Possible Policy in Syria and Iraq
Several factors necessitate continued US engagement in Syria, particularly the need to manage the country’s transition after Assad’s departure and capitalize on the declining regional influence of both Iran and Russia. The Trump administration is likely to focus on three main aspects of the Syrian issue in the coming period: sanctions, the situation in southern Syria, and developments in the eastern part of the country, where tensions are escalating between Washington’s allies—particularly between the Kurds and Turkey on the one hand, and Israel and Turkey on the other.
In the context of Iraq, the Trump administration is likely to adopt a more assertive US effort to counter Iranian influence. The United States does not need troops on the ground for this type of action. Iraq is highly vulnerable to an intensified sanctions enforcement policy, which could be based on a growing amount of evidence regarding Iran’s use of Iraqi banks to obtain US dollars and the misuse of the Iraqi oil sector to generate funds for Iranian-backed militias to evade sanctions on Iranian crude oil. Oil-rich Iraq, in the US perception, is a “cash cow” for the entire axis of resistance outside Iran, with Lebanese Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen vying with Iraqi militias for their share!
Main Ally – Saudi Arabia
President Trump’s first foreign visit in his first term was to Saudi Arabia in exchange for Saudi investments exceeding $400 billion. Trump had announced in his inaugural address that he would repeat this visit in exchange for significant Saudi investments. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responded by announcing a $600 billion investment in the United States. In return, the Trump administration chose Riyadh as the venue for US-Russian talks on the war in Ukraine, also capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s good relations with Russia.
One of the most likely achievements Mr. Trump would like to achieve during his upcoming visit is a peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which would be the culmination of the Abraham Accords he initiated in his first term. The war in Gaza and the subsequent Saudi rejection of Trump’s plan to remove Palestinians from Gaza could pose an obstacle to this. This factor could raise the price Saudi Arabia might demand for a peace agreement. Mohammed bin Salman may use this opportunity to enhance Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic standing on the global stage and his personal image as a “peacemaker.” In the foreseeable future, the Trump administration will maintain its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and its role as a defender of its policies in the Middle East.
Conclusion
In sum, the Trump administration’s Middle East policies for 2025 reflect a strategic shift toward aggressive intervention, perhaps without igniting a major conflict. While these approaches aim to promote regional stability and protect American interests, they carry significant risks of escalating conflicts and undermining diplomatic relations. The long-term impact of these policies will depend on their implementation and the responses of regional actors, particularly U.S. allies and the broader international community