Trump Delivers Ultimatum to Iran, Signals Shift in Middle East Policy in Riyadh

During his first overseas trip of his second term, President Donald Trump delivered a speech in Riyadh emphasizing a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward business and stability, advocating for commerce over chaos in the Middle East while praising Saudi Arabia's modernization efforts. He criticized previous U.S. interventions led by 'interventionalists' and 'neo-cons,' asserting that peace and prosperity come from embracing national traditions rather than nation-building efforts that he claims failed in places like Kabul and Baghdad. Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, labeling it the most harmful force in the region and urging it to choose diplomacy over aggression, with a firm stance against allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, including potential maximum pressure measures such as cutting oil exports. He expressed willingness to make deals with Iran for regional security but stressed the offer was time-sensitive, highlighting his broader goal of being a peacemaker and unifier backed by a rebuilt, powerful U.S. military. Concurrently, reports indicate Trump is engaging with Saudi leadership and figures like Tiger Woods to facilitate an agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, signaling U.S. involvement in international business negotiations beyond traditional diplomacy. These developments reflect Trump's isolationist and deal-making approach, seeking to redefine U.S. engagement in the Middle East and beyond.