Trump

Analysis

Trump wants to lift all US sanctions on Syria: Can he?

Removing some sanctions on Syria could require congressional action, and one expert warned that rescinding all the measures could decrease the US’ leverage with the new government in Damascus.

By Rosaleen Carroll , Adam Lucente

Analysis

Trump’s Gulf tour alarms Iran as it fears isolation, shifting alliances

Sanctions-hit Iran is anxiously watching Trump clinch multibillion-dollar trade deals with regional heavyweights, yet it is finding a moment of relief in the "sidelining" of Israel.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

US, Saudi Arabia ink $600B economic pact amid AI, energy deals

The economic partnership agreement includes energy, mining and defense pacts, according to a White House readout.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Netanyahu scrambles as Trump skips Israel visit, gap widens on Gaza, Iran

Despite pleas on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s part, President Donald Trump will not pass through Israel during his Gulf tour.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Trump to lift Syria sanctions, meet with Sharaa in Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump said his administration would take steps to normalize relations with Syria’s fledgling government.

Saudi Arabia

Defense, energy and AI deals await Trump during Gulf visit: What to know

Trump will kick off his regional trip by participating in a Saudi-US Investment Forum meeting, while Qatar and the UAE may be eyeing more cooperation defense and technology.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

With US-Saudi defense pact stalled, Trump eyes civilian nuclear deal

Negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program have placed the Trump administration's strategic approach to the Middle East in a holding pattern.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Analysis

How Trump's Gulf tour and release of Edan Alexander expose rift with Netanyahu

The US-Hamas deal for the release of Edan Alexander is just one of a series of issues where the gaps between Washington and the Netanyahu government keep growing.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

From Nixon to Trump: A look at US presidential visits to the Gulf

As Trump prepares for his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Al-Monitor looks back at the history of US presidential trips to the Gulf.

United States

Breaking | Last Updated: May 12, 2025, 12:56 pm

Edan Alexander, last American hostage, released from Gaza after Trump-Hamas deal

American envoys are waiting to meet with released hostage Edan Alexander, released from Hamas captivity in a deal negotiated between Washington and Hamas without Israel involved.

Israel

Trump heads to Gulf as markets surge on US-China tariff deal

China and the United States said on Monday they agreed on a deal to cut reciprocal tariffs by 110% from May 14 as they seek to end the trade war that has upended global markets.

Saudi Arabia

Trump-Hamas deal secures release of Edan Alexander: What to know

Preparations have started for the release of Israeli-US hostage Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity in Gaza, though the group did not specify yet the exact hour.

Israel