Riyadh: Former U.S. President Donald Trump might announce the United States’ recognition of the State of Palestine during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. The announcement is expected to be made during Trump’s first visit to the Middle East since beginning his second term in January 2025. This significant development is anticipated to alter the balance of power in the region.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, The Jerusalem Post, referencing information from the American “The Media Line” agency, reported that a Gulf diplomatic source revealed the potential announcement. The source, who chose to remain anonymous, suggested that the recognition of a Palestinian state could occur without the involvement of Hamas, marking a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The source emphasized that such a declaration could encourage more countries to join the Abraham Accords, further impacting regional dynamics.
The diplomatic source also hinted at possible economic agreements accompanying the political announcement, although many have been previously disclosed. There is speculation that Gulf countries might benefit from customs duty exemptions as part of the negotiations.
However, skepticism remains. Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, a former Gulf diplomat, expressed doubts regarding the focus on Palestine, pointing out the absence of key figures such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II, both of whom are pivotal to Palestinian affairs. Al-Ibrahim anticipates that the visit might instead mirror the 2017 Gulf-US summit, which saw substantial economic deals announced by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, hinting at major forthcoming agreements.
President Trump’s Middle East tour, scheduled from May 13 to 16, includes visits to Qatar and the UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia. Axios previously reported that Trump is expected to participate in a summit with Gulf leaders during his stay, potentially setting the stage for significant diplomatic and economic developments.