Is Trump key to peace in the Middle East?
Qatar and U.S. Sign Major Security Cooperation Deal Amid Trump Visit, All the Details
During a high-stakes visit to Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump facilitated a $200 billion Defense deal involving Qatar's purchase of 160 Boeing aircraft and signed a major U.S.-Qatar security cooperation agreement. In a bold diplomatic twist, Trump also announced that Syria's interim president intends to recognize Israel and join the Abraham Accords once stability is restored.
During a high-profile visit to Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump oversaw the signing of a landmark security cooperation agreement between the United States and Qatar on Wednesday. As part of the deal, the two countries pledged to deepen defense collaboration, marking a significant step in regional security alignment.
One of the most notable outcomes of the agreement was Qatar's commitment to purchase 160 aircraft from U.S. aerospace giant Boeing. The estimated value of the deal stands at a staggering $200 billion, underscoring the economic and strategic importance of the U.S.-Qatar relationship. The acquisition signals Qatar’s intent to modernize its air fleet and further solidify its military capabilities in coordination with the U.S.
Beyond defense and trade, the visit included key diplomatic developments. In a press statement delivered in Doha, Trump revealed that Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria, has pledged to recognize the State of Israel and intends to join the Abraham Accords, provided that Syria achieves a level of political and civil stability. This potential move could represent a dramatic shift in regional alliances and further expand the normalization wave that began with the original Accords in 2020.
In a controversial remark, Trump also took a moment to commend Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a former leader of both ISIS and al-Qaeda in Syria, who was once involved in armed conflict against U.S. forces in Iraq. Trump described Julani as “a young, attractive, tough guy,” adding that “he has a strong past, a very strong past, a fighter.” The U.S. President suggested that Julani may have a real opportunity to help maintain stability in Syria.
The comments were made just hours after Trump held a meeting with interim Syrian President al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This diplomatic outreach, paired with massive Defense and commercial agreements, highlights a significant shift in the U.S. approach to Middle East policy under Trump’s continued political influence.
The implications of the agreements, particularly the normalization path for Syria and the scale of the Boeing deal, could have long-lasting effects on regional stability, economic ties, and the evolving network of alliances across the Middle East.