During a recent summit in Riyadh with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, US President Donald Trump expressed a strong desire to negotiate with Iran regarding its nuclear program. He stated that any potential agreement would require Iran to cease its support for various militant groups across the region, which he condemned, calling for an end to what he termed “bloody proxy wars.” Trump emphasised the need for Iran to “permanently and verifiably” abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons, declaring, “They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump has been engaged in multiple discussions with Iranian officials aimed at addressing the nuclear issue, repeatedly stating that opportunities for a deal are diminishing. He linked Iran’s backing of groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis to broader regional instability, suggesting that Iran must halt this support as it faces mounting losses from these proxies.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s comments as “deceitful,” yet he did not directly counter the demands regarding proxies. Following this, Trump warned Iran to “make the right decision” regarding its nuclear ambitions, implying that failure to do so may lead to confrontational outcomes.
The backdrop of this negotiation push is the weakening of Hezbollah following its recent conflicts, along with Trump’s upcoming meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former insurgent leader whom he praised. In a notable shift, Trump is set to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria, a decision he made after discussions with Gulf leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This engagement reflects a broader attempt to stabilise the region in the wake of upheaval in Syria and Iraq.
As Trump continues his Middle Eastern tour, including a state visit to Qatar, he received a warm welcome from Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, who expressed hope for peace in the region. Trump’s commitment to transforming relations with Syria may signify a new approach in tackling the protracted conflicts in the Middle East, although it is complicated by past controversies involving Qatar’s international dealings.
Trump’s initiatives come against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of Qatar’s influence, with allegations of its involvement in various political scandals and its role as a mediator in international negotiations. The US maintains a significant military presence in Qatar, underlining its strategic importance in the region.