Trump's Middle East Blitz: Boeing Deals, Gaza 'Freedom Zone' Musings, and Putin No-Show!

2025-05-15 12:00:37.58

President Donald Trump's Middle East tour concluded with a visit to the United Arab Emirates, following stops in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The trip yielded significant deals, including a multi-billion dollar agreement between Qatar and Boeing for the purchase of American-made planes (though the exact figures vary across reports). Trump also addressed US troops in Qatar, thanking them for their political support and making claims about past election victories. He suggested progress on various fronts, including Iran nuclear negotiations, Russia-Ukraine talks, and a potential India tariff deal. In a controversial move, Trump proposed the idea of a US-led 'freedom zone' in Gaza, and also praised Syria's interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, despite his controversial past. His comments on Iran included threats of a "violent step" if a nuclear deal isn't reached, and he expressed optimism about the negotiations while global oil prices fell in response. Trump also commented on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating he didn't expect Vladimir Putin to attend the proposed talks in Turkey, and later called on Ukrainian President Zelensky to hold the meeting. Throughout his trip, Trump frequently criticized his domestic political opponents and the media. The trip also involved lavish welcomes, including a red carpet greeting in Qatar and a parade of Tesla Cybertrucks, and the signing of various defense agreements between the US and Qatar. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected Trump's remarks, stating that Iran would not negotiate its dignity. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the Trump administration's position on the Ukraine conflict.