Trump heading to Saudi Arabia on first leg of his Mideast trip
The Hindu
President Trump visits Saudi Arabia to address regional crises, with a focus on Iran, oil prices, and US-China relations.
President Donald Trump was heading to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (May 13, 2025), the first leg of his three-nation visit to the Middle East this week meant to tackle multiple crises and conflicts across the region.
His first stop is a visit to Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two are to hold talks on U.S. efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, end the war in Gaza, hold down oil prices and more.
The Crown Prince is also expected to fete Mr. Trump with a formal dinner and a gathering of members of the Gulf Cooperation Council— made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates— later on Tuesday.
US. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that America and China now have a “mechanism” to avoid tensions.
He spoke at an investment forum just before Mr. Trump was to land in Saudi Arabia.
“We had a plan, we had a process. What we did not have with the Chinese was a mechanism,” Mr. Bessent told the forum. “After this weekend, we have a mechanism to avoid escalation like we had before.”
Mr. Bessent said America could have a “big, beautiful rebalancing” with China as Beijing aims to have more of a consumption-based economy and Mr. Trump wants to see more precision manufacturing done in the U.S.
Hong Kong's upcoming legislative election faces low turnout as residents mourn a devastating fire that claimed 159 lives.
Harvard professor Carlos Portugal Gouvea arrested for discharging a pellet gun near a synagogue; agrees to leave the U.S.
Macron cautioned Zelenskyy that the U.S. might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions to Russia without security guarantees.
A Canadian national was arrested at the Indo-Nepal border for using a fake immigration stamp on his passport.
Appeals court permits Trump to maintain National Guard deployment in D.C., reversing a lower court's order to withdraw troops.
Iraq retracts its terror designation of Hezbollah and Houthis, citing an error amid regional political pressures and public backlash.
U.S. military strikes drug boats amid scrutiny over legality and rising casualties, prompting investigations and conflicting congressional testimonies.
Indian envoy Santosh Jha meets Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister to discuss reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact.
The U.S. and Kenya sign a $2.5 billion health deal, marking the start of "America First" global health agreements.
Explore the resilience and daily realities of Ukrainians enduring relentless warfare in a country forever changed by conflict.
Trump's envoys engage with Ukraine amid eased sanctions on Russia, seeking to advance peace negotiations following recent talks with Putin.
Explore China's rural revitalization efforts, showcasing poverty alleviation, local spirit, and sustainable development in its diverse landscapes.
UN Security Council delegates visit Syria for the first time since 1945, aiming to build trust and support national reconciliation.