A year ago, energy-rich Gulf states were central to President Donald Trump’s promise of an American economic renaissance, having pledged trillions in US investments early in his second term.
Momentum peaked in November 2025 during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, producing key deals including a long-sought civilian nuclear pact. The regional announcements all reflected an unusually close, mutually beneficial relationship delivering Gulf capital for White House priorities in exchange for greater strategic influence for regional partners.
Twelve months later, these ties suddenly appear on far shakier ground, battered by the US-Israel-Iran war and Trump’s eroding power after Democrats scored resounding midterm election victories on Nov. 3. The Republicans’ loss of both chambers of Congress leaves the White House facing an emboldened opposition looking to…
