President Donald J. Trump's May 2025 visit to the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked a pivotal moment in the United States' (U.S.) foreign policy engagement in West Asia (the Middle East).^[1] During the visit, the President concluded high-level negotiations with Gulf leaders regarding defence and business deals, rescinding selected sanctions on Syria while meeting with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa,^[2] and sent American officials to engage in discussions on reviving talks on the Iran nuclear deal.^[3] Further, discussions also included the future of the Gaza Strip and the resulting humanitarian crisis.^[4] President Trump's decision to visit the Gulf states centred around making financial and military deals. It reflected a pragmatic and transactional approach to diplomacy. He also recalibrated Washington's stance on Syria in the post-Assad regime.^[5] Finally, President Trump's visit restrengthened America's relations with its Gulf partners, underscoring the country's long-held commitment to regional security and challenging adversaries such as China and Iran.

Strategic Business Agreements and Economic Diplomacy

The Gulf visit began in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), where President Trump announced more than $600 billion in investment commitments from the Saudi government.^[6] The deal included investments in technology, energy, and infrastructure in the U.S. A significant outcome was a $142 billion arms deal that aimed to deepen military and industrial ties between the two countries.^[7] To emphasise the technological aspect of the visit and merge diplomacy with commercial interests, Trump brought along prominent business figures, including Elon Musk (Tesla), Sam Altman (OpenAI), and Larry Fink (BlackRock).^[8]

In Qatar, one of the largest aviation deals in history, President Trump successfully concluded a $96 billion agreement between Doha and Boeing.^[9] The transaction further solidified the two country's strategic alignment, especially in the defence and aviation sectors. President Trump also accepted a controversial offer of a Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari government worth $400 million.^[10] Since then, the President has consistently asserted that it was a gift to the U.S. Air Force and not to him personally. The move drew considerable criticism from members of Congress and the public. Government officials and Democratic opponents cited ethical and national security concerns. However, the Trump administration continues to maintain the transfer of the jetliner as a government-to-government transaction.^[11]

Finally, the last leg of the Middle East visit culminated in the signing of an artificial intelligence (AI) partnership valued at $1.4 trillion between the U.S. and the UAE.^[12] The initiative aims to enhance cooperation on emerging technologies and digital infrastructure, underscoring the desire of both nations to position themselves as global leaders in AI development. Despite the prospects of enhanced partnership in AI, national security analysts in Washington have raised concerns about the risks of technology transfers and the strategic vulnerabilities that the agreement might pose.

Defence Cooperation and Arms Sales: A Cornerstone of U.S.-Gulf Relations

President Trump's primary goal during his May 2025 visit to the Middle East was to secure business deals and attract foreign investment. However, another significant aspect of U.S. relations with the Gulf countries is defence cooperation. America remains the region's primary security guarantor and a source for substantial arms sales. The highlight of the visit was the formalisation of a $142 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia. The U.S. President and his Saudi counterpart signed a comprehensive agreement on 20 May 2025 during a high-profile meeting in Riyadh. The terms listed include a diverse array of advanced military hardware and enhanced technological support. Other key components include sophisticated missile defence, drone technology, and critical cybersecurity infrastructure. U.S. officials stipulated that deployment of these advanced systems, particularly the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defence batteries, to deter and intercept ballistic missile threats to the region.^[13] The deployment comes at a crucial time as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are on the rise. Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has contended with drone and missile attacks from Iran's proxy in Yemen. Houthi attacks have demonstrably used drones and missiles on Saudi targets. Furthermore, the U.S.-Saudi deal addresses the burgeoning concerns about the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS), particularly in Iraq and Syria.^[14] By transferring major military platforms and providing enhanced intelligence to counter cybersecurity breaches, the U.S. is reaffirming its role as a security provider to the Saudis, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism operations.

The visit also solidified a broader strategic partnership, establishing intelligence-sharing guidelines and facilitating a greater seamless flow of critical intelligence on current and future threats between Washington and Riyadh. The enhanced intelligence cooperation aims to improve early warning systems and coordinate responses to regional security challenges. Additionally, the deal commits both nations to increase joint military training exercises to improve interoperability and refine tactics in the areas of counterterrorism and maritime security.

The UAE also actively participated in these discussions, signalling Abu Dhabi's intention to acquire next-generation drone systems and advanced AI-powered defence platforms. Although officials have not publicly disclosed specific figures of the UAE's acquisition, they have reportedly focussed on integrating these technologies to enhance the UAE's surveillance capabilities and precision strike options, particularly in maritime security and border protection.

America and Qatar also strengthened their existing defence and security partnership during President Trump's visit. The President toured the Al Udeid Air Base (AUAB) and the Forward Headquarters of the U.S. Central Command, demonstrating the deep trust between both nations.^[15] The two sides finalised several key defence agreements, including the purchase of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) under the General Atomics letter of acceptance.^[16] They also concluded the FS-LIDS (Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System) Letter of Acceptance, making Qatar the first international buyer for Raytheon. These two agreements underscore a shared commitment to regional security, military operational interoperability, and cooperation in advanced defence capabilities.

Shift in U.S.-Syria Sanctions Policy

Several important agreements were signed, but a consequential diplomatic milestone was Trump's announcement to rescind the sanctions on Syria. This decision was a significant change in America's Middle East policy. The U.S. President went a step further when he met the interim President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Riyadh, the first of its kind in 25 years.^[17] With the fall of the Asad regime, Al-Sharaa ascended to power in December 2024. Around the same time, the U.S. State Department removed the $10 million bounty on Al-Sharaa.^[18] These sweeping changes come after almost 5 decades of U.S. economic and political sanctions on Syria. President Trump framed the decision to lift sanctions as a strategic realignment in response to the radical changes occurring in the region.

President Trump described the Asad-era sanctions as "brutal and crippling" and that it was time for the country to "shine" and to show something "very special" to the world.^[19][20] However, policymakers in Washington have warned against lifting these sanctions, as it involves a complex bureaucratic process that requires coordination between the U.S. Department of State and the Department of the Treasury, as well as approval from Congress. Furthermore, with uncertainty surrounding the new regime, it is challenging to assess Syria's role in the Middle East and its implications on the global stage.

As other great powers are showing greater interest in a region traditionally under significant American influence, President Trump's pivot to re-engage Syria is significant. As a large Arab nation located in an important geographical location that has seen Iranian interference in its political affairs, the U.S. cannot discount Syria. Further, it is in Washington's interest to sideline Russia and Iran, both of whom have historically backed the Asad regime. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have shown an interest in aiding Syria by for public sector undertakings.^[21] The normalisation of relations with Syria and the provision of rehabilitation aid could catalyse the return of refugees and reinvigorate its devastated economy.

Controversial "Freedom Zone" Proposal and the Israel-Hamas Conflict

The President notably excluded Israel from his itinerary during his May 2025 visit to the Gulf region. This decision was a significant shift in the Trump administration's approach to the Middle East. By prioritising bilateral economic and security agreements with the Gulf states over a comprehensive resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump is attempting to achieve his domestic economic goals by leveraging important business deals. President Trump's first administration successfully brokered the Abraham Accords, which saw the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Arab states. Analysts have suggested that this official visit is part of Trump's "decoupling doctrine,"^[22] whereby U.S. interests decouple from Israel's national security interests. President Trump's approach suggests a willingness to advance American interests by establishing large-scale trade and defence agreements with nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE independently from the deeply contentious Palestinian issue. Instead of linking regional security with progress on the Israel-Palestinian question, the Trump administration is securing security deals with Gulf countries that are concerned about the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and threats emanating from Iran.

The discussions on the Israel-Palestine question during Trump's May 2025 tour of the Gulf countries revealed a pragmatic yet controversial strategy centred on the economic revitalisation of Gaza strip. As early as January 2025, the Trump administration explored the idea of taking over the strip and transforming it into the "Riviera of the Middle East" through massive reconstruction and renovation projects.^[23] Trump's team also proposed relocating Palestinians to neighbouring countries like Egypt and Jordan, but Arab nations vehemently rejected the idea.^[24] The U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, downplayed the eviction proposal while emphasising the creation of a better life for Palestinians by injecting investment, nurturing economic growth and creating career opportunities. However, the depopulation proposal sparked strong condemnation from Arab leaders and international human rights bodies.

On 16 May 2025, during a roundtable business discussion in Qatar, President Trump once again suggested the U.S. takeover of Gaza creating a "freedom zone" without the population to rebuild.^[25]

The diplomatic outcomes regarding the discussions on Israel and Palestine were complex. In contrast, President Trump wanted to revitalise the Abraham Accords with Saudi Arabia, rejoining the peace and normalisation initiative. In accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative,^[26] the Saudis took a firm stance, stating that the normalisation of relations with Israel hinged on the creation of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has heightened anti-Israeli sentiments across the Arab world, significantly complicating all attempts at normalisation. Despite repeated hurdles, before his May visit to the Gulf, the Trump administration engaged in direct talks with Hamas, leading to the release of a U.S.-Israeli hostage. Further, at the start of May, President Trump publicly praised the Houthis for their "great capacity to withstand punishment", and through Oman's mediation, there was a pause in U.S. military operations in the Red Sea.^[27] From Israel's perspective, Trump's decision to halt operations without consulting Tel Aviv reflects a profound breach of trust. Here, too, Trump's decision indicates a transactional approach that has sidelined Israeli priorities, leading to concerns within Israel about potential isolation in the region. At the same time, the United States pursues its broader regional interests. Therefore, it seems that while the U.S. will continue to guarantee Israel's security, offering it political, economic, and material assistance, Washington will not compromise on nurturing close relations on multiple levels with Arab countries.

U.S.-Iran Relations: Revisiting Nuclear Diplomacy

Since his campaign began, President Trump stated that he would conclude a deal with Iran while promising to bring closure to global conflicts. He also prominently addressed the contentious issue of Iran's nuclear programme during his visit to the Middle East. For many Gulf countries, Tehran's political machinations in the region are a cause for concern. As the largest security and arms provider, the U.S. is employing the dual strategy of intense negotiations and overt pressure to conclude a credible deal. Since the start of 2025, the U.S. and Iran have engaged in indirect talks, mediated by Oman, between April and May. On 15 May, while addressing the audience in Doha, President Trump stated that the two sides were "fairly close" to reaching a nuclear agreement. He also stated that Iran would not be making "nuclear dust", alluding to Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities.^[28] While maintaining a rigid posture towards Iran, on 4 February 2025, President Trump implemented "maximum pressure" on Tehran.^[29] His comments in May have signalled another shift in U.S. foreign policy. The sanctions were aimed at compelling Iran to renegotiate a broader agreement to address its ballistic missile programme and reduce or nullify regional proxy activities, especially against countries in the Gulf and shipping lines in the Red Sea.

According to President Trump's recent comments, discussions surrounding Iran's nuclear programme between American and Iranian officials are progressing positively. However, a persistent and crucial point of divergence is on uranium enrichment. Reports widely indicated that Iran had enriched uranium to 60%, a level that far exceeds civilian needs while closer to weapons-grade material.^[30] Despite these alarming facts, Ali Shamkhani, special advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran, reiterated Tehran's willingness to limit enrichment to low levels consistent with international guidelines while maintaining Iran's "right to industrial enrichment" for peaceful purposes. Simultaneously, there is inconsistency emanating from Washington as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump have oscillated between allowing limited enrichment to total dismantlement of Iran's nuclear programme. The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the U.S. position one of "constant change,"^[31] which has threatened to impede further negotiations or the conclusion of a significant deal. However, on Saturday, 31 May 2025, the U.S. sent an "acceptable"^[32] proposal for a nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington, one that White House press secretary Karoline Levitt stated was in Iran's "best interest to accept".^[33] The move came after the UN's nuclear watchdog reported Iran's enhanced production of enriched uranium.

Trump's visit was a major success, particularly as opposition mounts over his domestic policies. His administration has tried to ally allies in the region regarding the Iranian nuclear programme by announcing a nuclear deal with Tehran while strengthening economic and military cooperation with Gulf countries.

Strategic Realignment and the Geopolitical Repercussions

President Trump's Guld tour represents a broader realignment in U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East. It suggests that priorities have changed. Trump's decision to engage directly with the new Syrian regime, restart talks with Iran over its nuclear programme, and emphasise economic cooperation over ideological considerations reflects a crucial pivot away from the Cold War-era balance-of-power strategy. As Russian influence significantly diminished following the fall of the Assad regime, there is a strategic vacuum that Washington wants to fill. Another important consideration is the increasing role of China through its Belt and Road initiative in the Middle East. It is becoming an increasingly credible partner, evidenced by Beijing's role in the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement.^[34] These two key events have catalysed Washington to recalibrate its role and approach in the region.

As the process of rescinding U.S. sanctions on Syria is underway, there is massive potential for funding to enter from the Gulf countries for reconstruction efforts. If this effort is successful, it could also pave the way for regional stability, reduce the movement of refugees across the region and lighten the pressure on neighbouring countries. Further, since Trump has prioritised the economy over other considerations, Syria could be a new market for American companies. By maintaining its position in the Middle East and strengthening its ties with regional partners, the Trump administration is challenging its adversaries like China, Russia and Iran.

Domestic Political Implications

President Trump's Gulf tour bolstered his foreign policy credentials with landmark deals, marking the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations. However, his visit also serves domestic political purposes. Supporters tout the America First policy as a major initiative to bring back manufacturing and create jobs for Americans. In keeping with this promise, his administration has framed his visit to the Middle East as a significant political and economic victory. The announcement of major job-creating deals, such as the massive Boeing contract with Etihad, was framed to appeal to American workers. However, congressional lawmakers have raised concerns about Qatar's multimillion-dollar gift of jetliners. Although the White House spokesperson and the President himself have stated that Qatar gave the jet to the U.S. Air Force, questions over ethics and protocol remain a contentious issue in American society.

Conclusion

President Trump's May 2025 tour of three Gulf countries showed his preference for transactional diplomacy characterised by significant business and wide-ranging defence deals. The trip also marked a historic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Syria unseen in almost 50 years. Another significant development is the sustained negotiations with Iranian officials albeit through Omani mediation. It seems President Trump wants to move ahead with deals independent of Israel’s security concerns regarding the Iranian nuclear deal or normalising relations with Syria. Furthermore, in keeping with his campaign promises, Trump is determined to prove to Americans that only his administration can bring back large-scale employment opportunities and bring peace in the Middle East. By making financial deals with the Gulf countries while promising extensive defence transfers, cooperation in AI technology and offering sophisticated weapons platforms, Trump is leveraging American technological expertise for Gulf investment. Trump’s policy significantly departs from previous American foreign policy, which historically emphasised human rights and democracy promotion as part of its core precept. Despite these historic changes like reconstruction in Syria, a successful conclusion of an Iran nuclear deal, and regional stability remains unclear. However, the U.S. has strategically repositioned itself in the region, reflecting President Donald J. Trump's distinct worldview, one that combines diplomacy with economic cooperation and trade deals.

Endnotes

^[1] The White House (2025), "What They Are Saying: Trillions in Great Deals Secured for America Thanks to President Trump", The White House, Articles, 16 May 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/05/what-they-are-saying-trillions-in-great-deals-secured-for-america-thanks-to-president-trump/ (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[2] Gram Slattery et al (2025), "Trump meets Syrian president, urges him to establish ties with Israel", Reuters, 15 May 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-meet-syrian-president-saudi-before-heading-qatar-2025-05-14/ (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[3] Samia Nakhoul and Parisa Hafezi (2025), "Exclusive: Saudi warned Iran to reach nuclear deal with Trump or risk Israeli strike", Reuters, 30 May 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-warned-iran-reach-nuclear-deal-with-trump-or-risk-israeli-strike-2025-05-30/ (Accessed 1 June 2025).
^[4] Samina Nakhoul and James Mackenzie (2025), "Trump's Gulf tour reshapes Middle East diplomatic map", Reuters, 19 May 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trumps-gulf-tour-reshapes-middle-east-diplomatic-map-2025-05-18/ (Accessed 25 May 2025).
^[5] John Calabrese (2025), "Opening the Gates: Trump’s Syria Gambit and the Fragile Road to Recovery", Modern Diplomacy, Middle East & Africa, 18 May 2025, https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/05/18/opening-the-gates-trumps-syria-gambit-and-the-fragile-road-to-recovery/ (Accessed 25 May 2025).
^[6] The White House (2025), "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $600 Billion Investment Commitment in Saudi Arabia", The White House, Fact Sheets, 13 May 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/05/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-secures-historic-600-billion-investment-commitment-in-saudi-arabia/ (Accessed 25 May 2025).
^[7] Reuters (2025), "US agrees to sell Saudi Arabia $142 billion arms package", Reuters, 14 May 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us-saudi-arabia-have-discussed-riyadhs-potential-purchase-f-35-jets-2025-05-13/ (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[8] Greg Norman (2025), "Altman, Larry Fink join Trump at Saudi royal court", Fox Business, 13 May 2025, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/american-ceos-elon-musk-sam-altman-larry-fink-join-trump-saudi-royal-court (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[9] The White House (2025), "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $1.2 Trillion Economic Commitment in Qatar", The White House, Fact Sheets, 14 May 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/05/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-secures-historic-1-2-trillion-economic-commitment-in-qatar/ (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[10] David Shepardson and Phil Stewart (2025), "US accepts luxury jet from Qatar for use as Air Force One for Trump", Reuters, 22 May 2025, https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-formally-accepts-luxury-jet-qatar-trump-new-york-times-2025-05-21/ (Accessed 25 May 2025).
^[11] Katherine Faulders and Kelsey Walsh (2025), "Trump's Air Force One deal with Qatar not finalized, being reviewed by legal teams: Sources", ABC News, 29 May 2025, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trumps-air-force-deal-qatar-finalized-reviewed-prospective/story?id=122316357 (Accessed 1 June 2025).
^[12] The White House (2025), "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures $200 Billion in New U.S.-UAE Deals and Accelerates Previously Committed $1.4 Trillion UAE Investment", The White House, Fact Sheets, 15 May 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/05/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-secures-200-billion-in-new-u-s-uae-deals-and-accelerates-previously-committed-1-4-trillion-uae-investment/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20and%20UAE%20signed,as%20those%20in%20the%20UAE. (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[13] Agnes Helou (2025), "Trump says Qatar to buy THAAD defenses, Pegasus refuelers among $42B investment", Breaking Defense, 15 May 2025, https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/trump-says-qatar-to-buy-thaad-defenses-pegasus-refuelers-among-42b-investment/ (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[14] Tanya Mehra (2025), "The Threat of ISIS in a Fragmentated Syria", International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), 16 May 2025, https://icct.nl/publication/threat-isis-fragmentated-syria (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[15] Yan Zhuang (2025), "On Gulf Tour, Trump Visits U.S. Base in Mideast", The New York Times, 15 May 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/us/politics/trump-qatar-us-military-base.html (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[16] Lee Ferran (2025), "Trump, Qatar sign agreements to go ahead with $2B MQ-9B, $1B counter-drone orders", Breaking Defense, 14 May 2025, https://breakingdefense.com/2025/05/trump-qatar-sign-agreements-to-go-ahead-with-2b-mq-9b-1b-counter-drone-orders/ (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[17] Zeke Miller et al (2025), "Trump meets with Syria’s interim president, a first between the nations’ leaders in 25 years", Associated Press (AP), 15 May 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-syria-saudi-arabia-sharaa-assad-sanctions-bb208f25cfedecd6446fd1626012c0fb (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[18] Gram Slattery (2025), "Trump to remove US sanctions on Syria in major policy shift", Reuters, 14 May 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-says-will-remove-us-sanctions-syria-2025-05-13/ (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[19] AFP (2025), "Trump, casting himself as peacemaker, to lift Syria sanctions", France 24, 13 May 2025, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250513-trump-casting-himself-as-peacemaker-to-lift-syria-sanctions (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[20] Gavin Blackburn (2025), "'Show us something special,' Trump says to Syria as he agrees to lift raft of sanctions", Euro News, 13 May 2025, https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/13/show-us-something-special-trump-says-to-syria-as-he-agrees-to-lift-raft-of-sanctions (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[21] Staff Writer (2025), "Saudi Arabia says it will jointly fund Syria state salaries with Qatar", Al Jazeera, 31 May 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/31/saudi-arabia-says-it-will-jointly-fund-syria-state-salaries-with-qatar (Accessed 1 June 2025).
^[22] Raed Jarrar (2025), "The Decoupling Doctrine: Trump's Middle East Policies Break with Tradition", Dawn, 28 May 2025, https://dawnmena.org/the-decoupling-doctrine-trumps-middle-east-policies-break-with-tradition/ (Accessed 1 May 2025).
^[23] H.A. Hellyer (2025), "Trump’s ‘Riviera of the Middle East’ Plan Fundamentally Misreads the Arab World", Center for American Progress (CAP), 26 February 2025, https://www.americanprogress.org/article/trumps-riviera-of-the-middle-east-plan-fundamentally-misreads-the-arab-world/ (5 May 2025).
^[24] Bernd Debusmann Jr and Tom Bateman (2025), "Jordan's King rejects Trump proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza", BBC, 12 February 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly9m7kv7lro (Accessed 15 May 2025).
^[25] Callum Sutherland (2025), "Trump Suggests U.S. Should ‘Take’ Gaza and Turn It Into a ‘Freedom Zone’", Time, 16 May 2025, https://time.com/7285602/trump-plans-for-gaza-freedom-zone/ (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[26] Arab Summit (2002), "The Arab Peace Initiative, 2002", Arab summit in Beirut 2002, https://www.kas.de/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=a5dab26d-a2fe-dc66-8910-a13730828279&groupId=268421 (Accessed 30 May 2025).
^[27] Imran Khalid (2025), "The Houthis held, Trump folded: Is the US retreating from Yemen?", The Hill, 26 May 2025, https://thehill.com/opinion/international/5317044-trump-ceasefire-yemen-houthis-middle-east/ (Accessed 30 May 2025).
^[28] Staff Writer (2025), "Trump says US close to nuclear deal with Iran, but key gaps remain", Al Jazeera, 15 May 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/15/trump-says-us-close-to-nuclear-deal-with-iran-but-key-gaps-remain (Accessed 20 May 2025).
^[29] Steve Holland and Jeff Mason (2025), "Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero", Reuters, 5 February 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-set-reimpose-maximum-pressure-iran-official-says-2025-02-04/ (Accessed 20 February 2025).
^[30] Parham Ghobadi (2025), "Iran significantly growing uranium stockpile, warns UN nuclear agency 1 day ago Share", BBC, 31 May 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mg7kx2d45o (Accessed 1 June 2025).
^[31] Kelsey Davenport (2025), "Trump Touts Progress on Iran Nuclear Deal", Arms Control Association, June 2025, https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2025-06/news/trump-touts-progress-iran-nuclear-deal (Accessed 1 June 2025).
^[32] Agene France-Presse (2025), "US reportedly sends 'acceptable' nuclear deal proposal to Iran", Daily Sabah, 1 June 2025, ttps://www.dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/us-reportedly-sends-acceptable-nuclear-deal-proposal-to-iran (Accessed 1 June 2025).
^[33] Tara Suter (2025), "US sends Iran nuclear proposal, WH says", The Hill, 1 June 2025, https://thehill.com/policy/international/5327668-us-iran-nuclear-proposal/ (Accessed 1 June 2025).
^[34] Giorgio Cafiero (2025), "A year ago, Beijing brokered an Iran-Saudi deal. How does détente look today?", Atlantic Council, 6 March 2024, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/iran-saudi-arabia-china-deal-one-year/ (Accessed 5 May 2025).

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