President Donald Trump’s high-stakes diplomatic tour through the Middle East has culminated in what could become one of the most consequential foreign policy stretches of his presidency—marked by a tentative nuclear understanding with Iran, a seismic shift in Syria policy, and a symbolic but controversial military aviation deal with Qatar.
In remarks from Doha, President Trump confirmed that the U.S. and Iran have “sort of agreed to the terms” of a new nuclear framework—an announcement that landed with quiet force in diplomatic circles. Speaking of “serious negotiations” between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Trump framed the discussions as oriented toward “long-term peace” and signaled that the two sides were nearing a deal that would end Tehran’s enrichment of weapons-grade uranium.
“They’re not going to make… nuclear dust,” Trump said, in his trademark style, before reiterating his only real demand: “They can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
Iran, for its part, appeared to meet the U.S. halfway. Top adviser Ali Shamkhani told NBC News that Tehran was willing to eliminate its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, limit future enrichment to civilian levels, and allow international inspections—in exchange for the full lifting of economic sanctions.
While some critics bristled at the terms, even former skeptics like Ben Rhodes and Rob Malley (both key figures under the Obama-Biden Iran nuclear policy) acknowledged the boldness and results-focused approach. Rhodes admitted on his podcast:
“It’s so clearly the right decision… Sometimes you just have to try something different.”
Possibly more explosive than Iran was Trump’s unprecedented meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the newly installed interim president of Syria and former commander of extremist insurgent groups. Long considered a pariah, al-Sharaa led forces that helped overthrow the Assad regime in a surprise 2024 offensive. Trump, encouraged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Erdogan, agreed to engage with al-Sharaa face-to-face.
“He’s got a real shot at holding it together,” Trump said after their 33-minute meeting.
Not only did Trump express support, he pledged to lift longstanding U.S. sanctions—a dramatic pivot from a policy maintained by both the Obama and Biden administrations. The potential implications for regional stability are massive, especially if Syria is folded into the Abraham Accords, as Trump suggested.
Trump’s time in Qatar was packed with symbolism and strategy. He met with Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, was honored with a military flyover, and toured the U.S.-led Al-Udeid Air Base, calling the facility a “critical hub” for America’s security in the region.
Crazy that Trump might actually get Iran to give up their enrichment program faster than Ukraine will agree to peace terms
— Jack Poso (@JackPosobiec) May 16, 2025
Yet the biggest story may be the ongoing controversy over Qatar’s offer of a $400 million Boeing 747-8, possibly to serve as an interim Air Force One. Critics claim it would be a violation of U.S. ethics rules and tantamount to a foreign gift. Trump dismissed those arguments, stating the plane would belong to the U.S. Air Force, not him personally, and would eventually be displayed at his presidential library.
“It’s a gift from the Nation to the United States Air Force,” Trump said. “And after I leave office, it’ll be parked and remembered.”
Despite the backlash, Qatar’s broader role—as a broker in the Hamas ceasefire and a host of U.S. military operations—makes its ties to the administration deeper than the jet. Whether this gift crosses ethical lines will likely become a talking point on Capitol Hill.
Trump’s rhetoric throughout the tour has been both hard-nosed and hopeful. He stressed peace but didn’t rule out force, stating:
“I will never hesitate to wield American power if it’s necessary to defend the United States of America or our partners.”
At the same time, he emphasized diplomacy over interventionism, praised Gulf allies for their economic growth, and encouraged new Arab-Israeli cooperation under the banner of the Abraham Accords.
