A strong pro-Israel position characterized Donald Trump's presidency, as demonstrated by the 2020 announcement of the "Deal of the Century" for Middle East peace. Trump's recent statements for Israel and the Gaza conflict, however, have shown some inconsistency. Trump demanded that Israel put an immediate halt to the fight because of the lack of international support, even as he accused Joe Biden of deserting Israel. Concerns concerning Trump's stance have been raised by these incoherent remarks. The political right in Israel looks forward to Trump's return because they think he would oppose the creation of a Palestinian state and give them more freedom to deal with Hamas. This viewpoint is further reinforced by the fact that Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has voiced reservations about recognizing a Palestinian state.Because of their same business-oriented agenda and firm position against Iran, the Gulf states—led by Saudi Arabia—view Trump as a suitable buddy despite contentious incidents like the murder of writer Jamal Khashoggi. However, given US natural gas exports and business links to China, Trump may find it difficult to persuade Saudi Arabia to improve relations with Israel in line with their economic interests. Because Trump had previously refused to back Saudi Arabia after Iran attacked its oil installations in 2019, the Gulf states now see themselves as autonomous actors in a multipolar world.
Iran: Maintaining "Maximum Pressure" In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Agreement and imposed harsh sanctions as part of his "maximum pressure" strategy.
Iran hastened its nuclear development as a result. Trump will probably keep these sanctions in place and continue to target Iran's oil exports, which have grown under Biden, if reelected. However, given the current geopolitical climate and the tough attitude taken by Tehran's leaders, it appears unlikely that new nuclear negotiations will be successful. Trump might not pursue bombings or an invasion to topple the Iranian government in order to avoid alienating his supporters, but he would probably keep up his vehement rhetoric.
Syria and Iraq: The Presence of American Troops Is Uncertain
Pro-Iranian militias have attacked American outposts multiple times throughout the Gaza crisis, bringing attention back to American forces in Syria and Iraq. In 2019, Trump, who had pledged to put an end to "endless wars," ordered a swift army pullout from northeast Syria, which had major geopolitical Iran hastened its nuclear development as a result. Trump will probably keep these sanctions in place and continue to target Iran's oil exports, which have grown under Biden, if reelected. However, given the current geopolitical climate and the tough attitude taken by Tehran's leaders, it appears unlikely that new nuclear negotiations will be successful. Trump might not pursue bombings or an invasion to topple the Iranian government in order to avoid alienating his supporters, but he would probably keep up his vehement rhetoric.
Syria and Iraq: The Presence of American Troops Is Uncertain
Pro-Iranian militias have attacked American outposts multiple times throughout the Gaza crisis, bringing attention back to American forces in Syria and Iraq. In 2019, Trump, who had pledged to put an end to "endless wars," ordered a swift army pullout from northeast Syria, which had major geopoliticalIran hastened its nuclear development as a result. Trump will probably keep these sanctions in place and continue to target Iran's oil exports, which have grown under Biden, if reelected. However, given the current geopolitical climate and the tough attitude taken by Tehran's leaders, it appears unlikely that new nuclear negotiations will be successful. Trump might not pursue bombings or an invasion to topple the Iranian government in order to avoid alienating his supporters, but he would probably keep up his vehement rhetoric.
Syria and Iraq: The Presence of American Troops Is Uncertain
Pro-Iranian militias have attacked American outposts multiple times throughout the Gaza crisis, bringing attention back to American forces in Syria and Iraq. In 2019, Trump, who had pledged to put an end to "endless wars," ordered a swift army pullout from northeast Syria, which had major geopolitical changes in the region.Trump may keep pulling out troops from these regions if reelected, but doing so may strengthen Iran's ambitions in the Middle East. Keeping American forces in place might be essential if Trump wants to put as much pressure as possible on Tehran.
In conclusion, Donald Trump's Middle East policy is a convoluted route ahead, characterized by a strong pro-Israel posture interspersed with sporadic contradictions. The political right in Israel may be happy to see him back, but Trump may have trouble persuading the Gulf states to restore diplomatic ties with Israel. Additional challenges for a prospective second term come from Iran's nuclear aspirations and the American army presence in Iraq and Syria. Any future strategy towards the Middle East must take into account the complex dynamics of the region and its many stakeholders.