President Donald J. Trump’s trip to the Middle East on May 13-16 comes on the heels of more than three months of whirlwind activity in US foreign policy where the region has been a higher priority than it was in the early months of the previous US administration.

Trump’s first policy-driven overseas visit in his second term will be the Persian Gulf. Trade, Tehran talks and possibly Gaza will be on the agenda.

Iran relations and praised Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE for their economic progress. He expressed willingness to negotiate with Iran but warned of pressure if they continue aggressive actions. A $600 billion investment by Saudi Arabia into the US was also announced.

The issues of China trade talks, a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, the Ukraine war and Gaza hostages have been in the president's in-tray.

Saudi Arabia is of key diplomatic importance to the Trump White House, especially amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, in a face-to-face with the onetime insurgent leader who spent years imprisoned by U.S. forces after being captured in Iraq