Trump's Diplomatic Balancing Act: Navigating Tensions in the Middle East

In a bid to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, President Donald Trump hosted meetings with Arab Gulf leaders at the White House Wednesday. The renewed violence between Israel and Syria has cast doubt over Trump's pledge to bring peace to the region.

Despite offering little resolution to ongoing conflicts, Trump emphasized the potential for economic growth through diplomatic ties, meeting Bahrain's crown prince and Qatar's prime minister. Bahrain, a longtime U.S. ally, heralded an agreement for investments worth billions and cooperation on civilian nuclear energy.

Simultaneously, tensions erupted in Syria, with Israeli strikes targeting the Syrian capital in response to internal clashes. U.S. officials optimistically spoke of a potential de-escalation, though uncertainty looms as Israel faces criticism for its military actions in the region and unresolved issues with Iran.

(With inputs from agencies.)