U.S. President Donald Trump officially launched his four-day Middle East tour on Tuesday with a ceremonial and strategically important visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
The talks focused on several pressing issues, including efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, bring an end to the war in Gaza, and stabilize global oil prices.
The visit began with a show of diplomatic grandeur. As Air Force One descended toward King Khalid International Airport, it was met by an honorary escort of Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets—a symbolic gesture underscoring the importance of the U.S.-Saudi partnership.
Upon landing, Trump was warmly received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders shared a formal greeting on the tarmac before heading into a grand reception hall at the airport, where traditional Arabic coffee was served by attendants clad in ceremonial dress and decorative gun-belts.
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The royal welcome continued at the Royal Court, where Trump and Prince Mohammed participated in a private luncheon. The gathering took place in an opulently decorated room, adorned with blue accents and towering crystal chandeliers—blending tradition with diplomacy.
In addition to political leaders, the event also welcomed a number of top American business executives, highlighting the economic dimension of Trump’s visit.
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Among the guests were Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, signaling potential discussions on investments, technology, and future cooperation.
Trump’s Middle East itinerary includes visits to several Gulf nations and is expected to touch on topics ranging from regional security to economic partnerships and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
As diplomatic eyes remain on the region, this high-level meeting in Riyadh marks a strong start to the U.S. president’s tour, with expectations high for concrete outcomes on both political and economic fronts.
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