Trump's Transactional Foreign Policy: Deals Over Values in the Gulf

Trump's "Deals, Not Values" Foreign Policy

• 🎯 Donald Trump's foreign policy is characterized by a strong emphasis on deal-making, prioritizing economic and financial interests over traditional US values.
• ⚡ This approach represents a significant shift, focusing on tying the economic, financial, technological, and defense interests of the US closely with Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
• 💡 While deal-making has always been a component of US foreign policy, Trump is seen as maximizing and emphasizing this aspect.

Transactionalism and Saudi Delight

• 🤝 The Saudi leadership has expressed delight in Trump's transactionalism, with values being relegated to a secondary priority.
• 🎭 The approach involves a combination of trade and showmanship, with both leaders engaging in public displays of friendship and relationship-building.
• 💰 The core of the relationship is understood to be transactional, driven by mutual interests rather than shared values.

US Interests in Syria and Stemming Iranian Influence

• 🌍 The US sees an opportunity to open doors for Gulf investment into Syria as a means to stem the return of Iranian influence.
• 🚫 The meeting between Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharah signals a message to Iran that its influence in Syria is diminishing.
• 📈 The US aims to support its Gulf allies in moving into Syria and investing in its economy, thereby countering Iranian presence.

Prospects for a US-Iran Deal

• 💬 There has been significant diplomatic activity between Gulf leaders and Iran, with Gulf states favoring a deal between the US and Iran.
• 🇸🇦 Muhammad bin Salman specifically desires regional stability for his Vision 2030, which requires Iran to no longer be perceived as a threat.
• 📉 Despite diplomatic efforts, the likelihood of the US and Iran reaching a deal is considered low, with any potential agreement likely to be subpar to the JCPOA.