The Saudis effectively decoupled key deliverables—like chips and defense cooperation—from normalizing ties with Israel. MBS secured long-sought strategic gains, while the U.S. obtained a vague trillion-dollar investment soundbite and bolstered a defense partnership already complicated by regional politics.
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Iraqi politicians have challenged a 2012 maritime agreement with Kuwait, reigniting sovereignty disputes. Both governments must work to resolve the issue to prevent political friction from harming growing economic and security cooperation.
“Until regional states acknowledge their limitations and negotiate a regional arrangement they can all tolerate, the Middle East will remain trapped in recurring tensions… Stability is possible if regional powers acknowledge their structural limitations and recognize their mutual constraints.”
The crisis is fueled by ongoing armed conflicts and the presence of militias. Personal stories like those of Ahmed Khaldoun and Yazidi refugees highlight the urgent need for reconstruction, national reconciliation, and security oversight to ensure safe and sustainable returns
Turkey’s inclusion in Gaza’s reconstruction and transnational energy projects like the East Mediterranean Gas Forum is vital. This pragmatic engagement prevents regional fragmentation, discourages Ankara’s alignment with competing blocs, and transforms the Abraham Accords into a comprehensive, multilateral framework for lasting Middle Eastern integration.
Saudi Crown Prince’s visit seeks a key U.S. defense pact and AI tech. A grand Israel deal is stalled by Gaza, as Riyadh pursues pragmatic regional diplomacy to power its ambitious transformation.
Despite tactical Israeli and U.S. military successes against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, none have produced permanent strategic victories, leaving Gaza destroyed, resistance movements intact, and regional conflict expanding, while U.S. military commitments and costs continue to grow.
Qatar leveraged the 2017 blockade by Saudi Arabia and the UAE to intensify lobbying, defend Al Udeid Air Base, secure arms sales, preserve its major non-NATO ally status, and strengthen military cooperation, successfully defeating congressional efforts that threatened U.S.–Qatar defense relations.
Trump’s 2025 strategy prioritises Gulf ties and transactional interests, reducing US commitments while reshaping Middle East responsibilities.
Having secured electoral victories and control over key state institutions, the PMF leverages its formal status to enrich itself and challenge rivals. Its campaign to expel U.S. forces risks an ISIS resurgence and could turn Iraq into an Iranian client state.