Donald Trump says Iran talks could prevent war, praises Gulf visit

US President Donald Trump has said that talks with Iran are close to an agreement that could stop any military action. This news made oil prices drop by more than three percent because people hope Iran’s oil will soon come back to the market. Trump said these things on May 15, 2025, while he was visiting countries in the Gulf region.

Trump started his Gulf visit in Saudi Arabia, then went to Qatar, and finally to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He spoke from a US military base in Qatar before traveling to Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE.

He said, “We are not going to make nuclear dust in Iran,” meaning he hopes to avoid any war or bombing related to Iran’s nuclear program. He believes a deal might happen without fighting.

Iran has held four rounds of talks with the US to avoid a possible military strike. The talks aim to stop Israel from taking military action and continue pressure on Iran through sanctions.

Trump also said that Iran might agree to give up its highly enriched uranium stock, a key point in the nuclear deal. This would happen if the US lifts some sanctions on Iran. An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader mentioned this possibility in an interview.

Trump praised Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for encouraging the US not to attack Iran. Qatar has helped mediate peace talks in the region.

At the US base in Qatar, Trump said his main goal was to end conflicts, not start new ones. But he warned that he would use American military power if needed to defend the US or its allies. He stood in front of military planes and drones as he made these comments.

Qatar plans to invest $10 billion to support the US military base there. This base is important because it is the regional headquarters for US Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East.

Gulf tour and deals

In Abu Dhabi, Trump was welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The UAE is trying to become a leader in technology and artificial intelligence (AI). But to do that, it needs access to advanced US technology, including special AI chips that the US controls strictly.

The UAE’s spy chief reportedly visited Washington to ask for help getting these advanced technologies. Trump hopes to get billions of dollars in business deals with the UAE during this trip.

Earlier, in Qatar, Trump said the US wants to "take" Gaza, which has been destroyed by war since October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. He said Gaza could become a "freedom zone," but did not explain more.

Qatar is playing an important role as a mediator in efforts to end the 19-month war and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Trump said his Gulf tour has been very successful, bringing in billions of dollars for the US economy. He claimed that during this short trip, he might raise $3.5 to $4 trillion in investments and deals.

One big deal was a $200 billion contract for Boeing planes from Qatar Airways. Saudi Arabia also promised $600 billion in investments, including buying US weapons, which is one of the largest arms deals ever.

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However, these deals caused some controversy. Before the visit, Qatar offered Trump a luxury airplane for his use, both for official and personal travel. Trump’s political opponents in the US said this was corruption.

Unlike the previous US president Joe Biden, Trump did not talk about human rights during his visit. Biden had planned to avoid Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman because of his involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Instead, Trump praised the crown prince as a visionary for Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth and investments. He also agreed to lift some sanctions on Syria, which is now under a new government after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Trump also met Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist who was once on the US wanted list but now works with the Syrian government. Trump complimented Sharaa during their meeting in Saudi Arabia.