U.S. President Donald J. Trump delivered a landmark address in Riyadh, outlining a powerful and forward-looking vision for peace, prosperity, and transformation in the Middle East. Speaking in the same venue where he delivered a historic speech eight years ago, Trump emphasized regional self-determination, economic development, and the rejection of extremism and foreign intervention.
“Exactly eight years ago this month, I stood in this very room and looked forward to a future in which the nations of this region would drive out the forces of terrorism and extremism,” Trump recalled. “Today, we are witnessing the rise of a modern and prosperous Middle East.”
Key Highlights from the Address:
- A New Era of Leadership: Trump hailed a new generation of Middle Eastern leaders who are “transcending ancient conflicts” and building cities together, not destroying them. He envisioned a Middle East “defined by commerce, not chaos,” exporting “technology, not terrorism.
- Rejecting Failed Foreign Interventions: The President sharply criticized decades of Western interventionism, declaring, “The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by ‘nation-builders’ or ‘neo-cons.’ They were built by the people of the region, pursuing their own unique visions.”
- A Call for Regional Unity and Progress: Trump called on responsible nations in the Middle East to set aside differences and focus on shared interests to achieve peace, innovation, and opportunity. “If you seize this moment, all of humanity will soon be amazed at what they see in this geographic center of the world,” he said.
- Iran and Pathways to Peace: Trump extended a message to Iran’s leadership, offering a “much better path toward a far better and more hopeful future,” while maintaining a strong stance on past chaos and threats to regional security.
- Defending America’s Interests: He reiterated that his foreign policy centers on promoting peace and stability while defending America’s fundamental interests. “My job is to defend America and to promote the fundamental interests of stability, prosperity, and peace,” Trump stated.
- Security Achievements: Trump highlighted successful U.S. military action against the Houthis in Yemen following attacks in the Red Sea. “We hit them hard, we got what we came for — and then we got out,” he said, emphasizing decisive and measured action.
- Support for Regional Peacebuilding: The President expressed readiness to assist Lebanon in economic development and peace, and welcomed new efforts to stabilize Syria under emerging leadership.
A Vision of Peace Through Strength and Partnership
Trump concluded with a reaffirmation of his preference for peace and diplomacy, declaring:
“My preference will always be for peace and partnership, whenever those outcomes can be achieved. Always.”
The address was met with applause and cautious optimism, as regional leaders and international observers weighed the implications of a renewed American role in fostering Middle Eastern stability and cooperation.
