The strategy clarifies that the Middle East has remained a top priority for the United States for more than fifty years, as a global source of energy and an arena for confrontations during the Cold War, in addition to being a stage for influential international conflicts. However, the document indicates that these factors have changed today with the diversification of energy sources and the transformation of the United States into an energy-exporting country, in addition to the transition of international competition from a conflict between two poles to competition between major powers. The administration believes that it holds the “best possible position” in this competition, after rebuilding its alliances in the Gulf and with its Arab partners and Israel.
The strategy considers that threats in the region have decreased compared to previous years, despite the continuation of conflicts. It points out that Iran, which it described as “the biggest source of destabilization,” has become weaker after the Israeli operations following October 7, 2023, as well as the American “Midnight Hammer” operation in June 2025, which targeted its nuclear program with a wide-ranging strike.
The strategy also indicates significant progress in the path of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, thanks to the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages through American mediation, with declining support for Hamas.
Regarding the Syrian issue, the strategy believes that Damascus remains a “potential source of problems,” but it is capable of achieving stability and restoring its natural role in the region with American, Arab, Israeli, and Turkish support.
The document affirms that the historical reasons that made the Middle East a priority in American policy have begun to recede, in exchange for the emergence of economic opportunities that make the region a future center for investment in the fields of nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and defense industries.
The document emphasizes the importance of cooperation with the countries of the region to secure supply chains and promote open markets, especially in Africa.
The United States also adopts a different approach towards reform in the region, as the document states: “We should encourage reform when it comes naturally from within, not try to impose it from the outside.”
The strategy defines vital American interests in the region as protecting energy security and preventing it from falling into the hands of adversaries, securing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, preventing the region from becoming a threat to the interests or territories of the United States, and ensuring the security of Israel.
In addition to expanding the Abraham Accords globally.
The document concludes that the Middle East is no longer a permanent source of crises, but rather a space for partnerships, friendship, and investments that must be strengthened.
In an assessment of this new approach, Professor of Political Science at Murray State University and member of the Republican Party, Ihsan al-Khatib, told the “Sky News Arabia” website that the strategy is “realistic and reflects the nature of the relationship that the Trump administration wants with the Middle East.”
He explained that the United States no longer deals with the region based on the logic of oil alone, but according to broader economic partnerships. He pointed out that the document includes an explicit recognition of mistakes made by previous administrations, such as ignoring the specificities of the region and interfering in the affairs of its countries, as happened during the era of former President Barack Obama.
Al-Khatib believes that the region has become more stable after weakening Iran and its allies, and that “Abrahamic peace” represents the most sustainable path. He also affirms that Washington does not consider China and Russia to be direct competitors within the Middle East, but rather part of balances that can be managed.
Al-Khatib concludes by saying that the United States’ connection to the region is now based on economic and security interests, foremost of which are ensuring the security of Israel, protecting energy lines and international navigation, and preventing any threat that may target American interests.
