United States President Donald Trump landed in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking the start of his Middle East tour focused on high-stakes regional diplomacy. The visit includes meetings in the three wealthiest Gulf nations: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with primary discussions centered on Iran, the Gaza conflict, and global energy stability.

Trump’s first engagement is with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where the leaders are set to address efforts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions, explore solutions to the ongoing Gaza crisis, and discuss strategies to stabilize oil prices amid continued geopolitical volatility.

During this visit, the United States approved a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia on exporting critical minerals. According to the Washington Post, the agreement allows Grand Mines Mining LLC, a Saudi company, to mine and export lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements to the US. The deal is valued at $9 billion, as reported by Burkhan World Investments, a US firm involved in the project.

Additionally, the Trump administration is considering a separate deal involving semiconductor sales to Saudi Arabia's Humain and UAE-based G42, as reported by the New York Times, indicating a broader economic and technological collaboration with Gulf partners.

Following his engagements in Saudi Arabia, President Trump will continue his regional tour with visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, furthering discussions on regional security and economic partnerships. The president also confirmed the possibility of attending a Russia-Ukraine peace summit in Istanbul on May 15, should the meeting proceed as planned.

Trump’s Middle East tour underscores the administration’s strategic priorities in the region, balancing security concerns with economic initiatives, while positioning the United States as a key player in ongoing diplomatic efforts and resource partnerships.