President Donald J. Trump administration remained deeply focused on expanding U.S. interests in the Middle East. He viewed the June 2025 destruction of Iran’s nuclear capabilities and missile delivery systems as a direct link for support from Arab states for promoting and implementing the Gaza-Israel War ceasefire. For Washington, Israel remained central to the defense of American national interests in the Middle East; and unlike any previous US President he remained seized with expanding trade and strategic relations with Muslim and Arab states. He noted that the U.S. would be expanding relations with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, including the sales of F-35 fighter jets to both regional powers, both sought roles in rebuilding the Gaza Strip. In their fifth meeting in 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Trump lavished mutual praise on one another, with Netanyahu noting that Trump would be the first recipient of a non-Israeli to receive the prestigious Israel Price. (source)
