Trump Middle East Policy Faces Scrutiny Amid Shifting Alliances and Risky Moves

Trump Middle East Policy: A Drastic Turn in Foreign Affairs

The evolving Trump Middle East policy is raising eyebrows across the global stage. Once known for taking a firm pro-Israel stance and rallying Arab allies against Iran, former President Donald Trump is now steering U.S. diplomacy in a far more unpredictable direction during his second term. His administration’s recent actions—from nuclear talks with Iran to controversial proposals regarding Gaza—are calling into question the stability and consistency of American involvement in the region.

Abraham Accords in the Rearview: A Shift from First-Term Diplomacy

Trump Middle East policy in his first term was largely praised for brokering the Abraham Accords. These historic agreements normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. The accords were seen as a strategic win, aiming to build a coalition against Iranian aggression.

However, Trump’s current direction seems to disregard that success. The momentum behind the Abraham Accords has stalled, with no new signatories and little diplomatic follow-through. Analysts now view the Trump Middle East policy as more focused on personal relationships and economic gains than on long-term peacebuilding.

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Troubling Nuclear Talks with Iran

One of the most controversial aspects of the current Trump Middle East policy is the decision to re-engage in nuclear negotiations with Iran. Formerly known for his “maximum pressure” campaign that included severe sanctions, Trump is now sending Steve Witkoff—a real estate investor with no diplomatic background—to lead nuclear discussions.

Witkoff’s assertion that Iran can enrich uranium up to 3.67% contradicts Trump’s past insistence on a zero-enrichment deal. Critics argue that this departure weakens Israel’s security and risks re-empowering Iran’s proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The inconsistency within Trump’s Middle East policy is causing frustration among traditional U.S. allies.

Trump’s Saudi Nuclear Deal: Undermining Israeli Interests?

Trump’s pursuit of a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia without requiring them to normalize ties with Israel is another bold stroke in the Trump Middle East policy playbook. Traditionally, such nuclear cooperation was contingent on broader peace efforts with Israel. By bypassing that condition, Trump risks undermining the leverage that could bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords.

This new stance doesn’t just concern Israel—it also sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to nuclear proliferation across the Middle East. Despite bipartisan resistance, Trump seems willing to redefine the rules to secure short-term economic wins.

Gaza Proposal Sparks International Outrage

The Trump Middle East policy took another controversial turn with a proposal that the U.S. take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries. Trump envisioned transforming the coastal region into a “Middle East Riviera,” a statement that was widely interpreted as tone-deaf at best and dangerously colonial at worst.

International human rights groups have condemned the plan as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. Even long-standing U.S. allies in the Arab world have distanced themselves from the Trump Middle East policy following this announcement.

Ceasefire with Houthis Raises Security Concerns

In yet another unpredictable move, Trump unilaterally announced a ceasefire with the Houthi rebels in Yemen—without consulting Israel. The ceasefire, aimed at ensuring safe passage in the Red Sea, ignores the group’s history of attacking Israeli targets and its strong ties to Iran.

This sudden decision not only blindsided allies but also contradicts Trump’s former hardline stance on Iranian-backed militias. The Trump Middle East policy now appears increasingly isolationist, mirroring internal U.S. political trends rather than strategic regional planning.

Cozying Up to Erdoğan: A Strategic Gamble?

Trump’s newfound admiration for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is another key piece of the changing Trump Middle East policy. Erdoğan, who has expressed increasingly hostile views toward Israel, is positioning Turkey as a dominant regional power. Trump’s willingness to engage closely with such a controversial figure could further strain U.S. relations with Israel and other key partners.

While Erdoğan’s role in the region is undeniable, critics argue that Trump’s approach lacks the balance and foresight needed for effective diplomacy. The Trump Middle East policy now appears more driven by personal alliances than by a coherent national interest strategy.

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Key Points: What Trump Middle East Policy Means for U.S. Diplomacy

• Trump Middle East policy has shifted from strong pro-Israel and anti-Iran positions to a more transactional, unpredictable approach.
• The Abraham Accords have lost momentum as the administration focuses on Saudi economic deals and nuclear discussions with Iran.
• Appointing inexperienced envoys and ignoring traditional allies is raising doubts about U.S. leadership in the region.
• Proposals like U.S. control over Gaza and a Saudi nuclear deal without peace preconditions have drawn international criticism.
• Ceasefire with Iranian-backed Houthis without Israeli input highlights a pattern of erratic and unilateral decision-making.

Collected from: MSN News