Reactions in MENA to US Presidential Elections

Bahrain  

The King of Bahrain, Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa sent President-elect Trump a cable stressing the importance of the strategic bilateral relationship between the island nation and the United States and conveying “eagerness” to work with the president-elect “to achieve significant benefits for both countries and their peoples while contributing to regional security, peace, and stability,” reported The Daily Tribune in Bahrain. Bahrain, a longstanding US ally, is home to the US Naval Forces Central Command and the US 5th fleet. It signed a bilateral agreement with the US, “Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA),” to deepen the security umbrella,” in September 2023 and is the only Arab state that joined the US-led operations in the Red Sea, Operation Prosperity Guardian, shielding shipping lanes against Houthi attacks.  

Egypt 

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi extended his congratulations to President-elect Trump after his re-election, expressing hopes for Trump's success in serving the American people. El-Sisi emphasized Egypt's commitment to advancing peace, maintaining regional stability, and strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States. Historically, U.S.-Egypt relations have been characterized by robust military and economic cooperation. Under the Trump administration, this partnership was reinforced through increased trade and military collaboration. In 2018, the United States goods trade surplus with Egypt was $2.6 billion, a 9.3 percent increase from 2017. The relationship also has faced challenges, particularly concerning human rights issues. Looking ahead, Egypt anticipates continued collaboration with the U.S. on regional security matters, including counterterrorism efforts and stability in the Middle East. The re-election of President Trump is viewed by Egyptian leadership as an opportunity to solidify bilateral ties further and address mutual interests in the region.

Jordan

Jordan’s King Abdullah II congratulated President-elect Trump on his win in a telephone call on Wednesday. A statement on official media outlets noted that King Abdullah “affirmed the strength of the friendship and strategic partnership relations between the two countries,” adding that the King stressed the need to “intensify international efforts to maintain regional security and protect international peace and security, pointing to the pivotal role of the United States in this regard.” Jordanian media quoted former officials and analysts noting that Jordan has solid relations with both the Democratic and Republican parties and will be able to work with a Trump administration. Others noted that the return of Trump means the return of the “Deal of the Century,” which may adversely impact Palestinian rights and thereby impact Jordan negatively. However, most analysts cautioned that it is too early to tell how the second Trump administration will address the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon. 

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the first world leader to congratulate President-elect Trump after confirmed results. Bibi said “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” in an English-language statement signaling Bibi and his far-right government’s preference in this decisive election. Bibi added that Trump's return to office offered a "new beginning for America, a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America." Israeli press report that Bibi’s far-right government coalition also sees a key ally in President-elect Trump. The Times of Israel notes “The outcome of the election is a relief for Netanyahu’s coalition, which has clashed with President Joe Biden‘s Democratic administration over the war in Gaza and Lebanon.” Former Israeli officials told the Jerusalem Post that Trump is likely to be stronger on Iran, adding that the US under Trump will surely do what the Biden administration did in protecting Israeli skies from Iranian attacks. 

Iran 

After President Trump's re-election, the Iranian government has downplayed the significance of the US election outcome. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated, "The election of the US president doesn't have anything specifically to do with us," emphasizing that Iran's policies remain unchanged regardless of US leadership. Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, now vice president for strategic affairs, echoed this sentiment, asserting, "we have no interest in changing the results of the U.S. election," underscoring Iran's policy of non-interference. Iran has signaled its readiness to respond to heightened tensions on the regional front. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Deputy Commander, Ali Fadavi, indicated that Iran and its allies are preparing for a "strong and complex" response to Israeli actions, suggesting a cautious but prepared stance on potential regional conflicts. While Iran officially maintains that US elections will not alter its policies, economic pressures and regional security considerations may drive Iran to adapt its strategies as it navigates the potential implications of Trump's re-election.

Iraq

Following President Trump's re-election, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani extended his and expressed a commitment to strengthening the partnership between Iraq and the United States. In a statement, al-Sudani emphasized the importance of mutual respect and shared interests, highlighting the potential for enhanced cooperation in security, economic development, and regional stability. The Trump administration's policies have significantly influenced US-Iraq relations. The US has provided substantial support to Iraq in its fight against ISIS, contributing to the country's security and counterterrorism efforts. However, the administration's firm stance on Iran has placed Iraq in a challenging position, given its close ties with both nations. President Trump's re-election may lead to increased pressure on Iraq to limit Iranian influence within its borders, potentially complicating Baghdad's efforts to maintain a balanced foreign policy. Prime Minister al-Sudani has welcomed the opportunity to enhance Iraq's partnership with the United States under President Trump's continued leadership, but he remains cautious about potential challenges arising from US policies on Iran and expectations for increased burden sharing. 

Kuwait

The Kuwaiti government  congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his recent election victory and expressed optimism for continued strong bilateral relations between Kuwait and the United States. In an official statement, Kuwaiti officials emphasized their commitment to collaborating with the incoming US administration to further mutual interests, particularly in areas of security, economic development, and regional stability. Kuwaiti leaders anticipate that President Trump's return to office will reinforce old ties and facilitate joint efforts to address challenges in the Middle East. While the Kuwaiti government has officially welcomed the election outcome, public sentiment appears more divided. Some Kuwaiti citizens have expressed reservations about President Trump's previous policies in the region, particularly concerning the Palestinians and the US stance on Iran. Experts believe Kuwait will be one of the last countries in the region to normalize relations with Israel. 

Lebanon

Various leaders in Lebanon reacted to President-elect Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections. Lebanese media reported that Amal political party leader and speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri said the US President-elect Donald Trump had “signed a written pledge at Hassan Abbas’ restaurant (in the U.S. state of Michigan) to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon once he wins,” insinuating that he will bring an end to the war in his country. Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri congratulated Trump on his “well-deserved victory,” which he hopes “opens new and better doors for America, the world and my country.” Leader of Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea also congratulated the president-elect, adding “I am confident that the steadfast US support for Lebanon, its constitutional institutions, its sovereignty, independence, and the establishment of its effective state will continue as we have known it.” Lebanese MP and leader of the Kataeb party Samy Gemayel congratulated Trump for his "remarkable comeback,” and referenced the letter President-elect Trump sent to the Lebanese American community in which he stated that the Lebanese people deserve to live in peace sharing the letter on social media. 

An Nahar newspaper noted that Trump’s return is bad news for Hizballah and therefore its patron, Iran given the maximum pressure policy that his administration pursued that culminated in the assassination of Qassim Suleimani. In analyzing the Trump win, Al Akhbar newspaper noted that Trump’s victory and his incoming team brings respite in terms of his former team’s concerns about Lebanon’s sovereignty and their commitment in his position focused on limiting Iran’s influence in the country and the region, especially given Hizballah’s new political and military reality with its significant losses in the past 2 months.

Now Lebanon reports that most Lebanese “believe that neither candidate in the US presidential race will bring stability to their country and the wider region, citing above all the US’s steadfast and bipartisan support for Israel.” However, even if the Lebanese “look at the outcome of the elections with indifference, they remain aware of the significance the US’s role, and that of other powers will play in determining Lebanon’s future.”

Morocco

King Mohammad VI congratulated President-elect Trump Wednesday on his victory, emphasizing the historic relationship and alliance between the United States and Morocco. He further thanked Trump for his past recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, for which the Moroccan people would be “forever grateful.” Other sources analyzing the election noted that the Arab vote in US swing states shifted in favor of Trump to “punish” the Biden administration’s policy on Gaza—remarking that many Moroccan-Americans took part in this rejection, breaking a history of alignment with the Democratic Party. Sources referred to Trump as an “important ally” of Morocco given his policy of recognition of Western Sahara as part of the Abraham Accords, hoping to accelerate that policy by opening a consulate in the southern city of Dakhla. However though analysts expect Trump to attempt to revive the Abraham Accords, they also note that the president-elect’s deference to Israel in Gaza and the war in the Middle East could cause signatory Gulf countries to distance themselves from the agreement and his administration.  

Oman 

The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Sultan Haitham bin Tarik sent a “cable of congratulations to President Donald Trump on the occasion of electing him as a new President for the United States of America.” In recent years, the Gulf country has maintained its business ties to Trump. 

Palestinian Territories

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated President-elect Donald Trump as reported by Palestinian news agency WAFA, adding that "We will remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, and we are confident that the United States will support, under your leadership, the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.” Media reported that Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reutersthat “the US election was a matter for the American people, but it called for an end to the "blind support" for Israel from the United States. "We urge Trump to learn from Biden's mistakes,” adding that Trump would be tested on his statements that he can stop the war within hours of taking office as US president.

Various media reporting from Gaza and the West Bank noted that the Palestinian people are bracing themselves for the return of Trump to the White House given his steadfast support for Israel and “Deal of the Century” that marginalized the Palestinians and prioritized normalization between Israel and Arab states. Akin to the Lebanese people quoted in various media reports, "some Palestinians said they did not see much difference between the former president and the current vice president and defeated candidate Kamala Harris, but Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel during his first term showed he was more biased towards Israel.” However, there are some, who are just looking for a strong U.S. President that will end the war, the suffering and destruction. Interviews conducted with five Palestinians in Gaza by Slate showcase that all of them blame the Biden administration for not ending Israel’s war in Gaza, some referencing that Trump was successful in ending the war in 2021 and that signals to them he will do it again once he assumes office. 

Qatar  

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamam bin Hamad, was one of a handful of leaders in the Gulf to reference the ongoing conflict in the region, stating that he looks forward to “working together again” and “promoting security and stability both in the region and globally” via X. Since October 7, 2023, Qatar, alongside the US, has been a key interlocutor in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Trump’s close relationship with Israel has yet to show itself an asset or a challenge in negotiations, and thus they may be more wary of the return of the former president than their neighbors. 

Saudi Arabia  

State media in Saudi Arabia reported that both Saudi’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman  congratulated the president-elect via cable and emphasized their  “historically close [bilateral] relations that everyone seeks to strengthen and develop in all fields.” On Wednesday, the Crown Prince also called Trump reiterating the same message, indicating Saudi’s interest in continued cooperation with the new administration and perhaps, continuing what the Biden administration began just days ago, talks of a security pact leaving out components tied to normalization with Israel. At the World Economic Forum’s “Davos in the Desert,” Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said, “Obviously, we worked with President Trump before, so we know him and we can find a way to work with him very well.” Some analysts have argued that under the previous Trump administration, the US approach to foreign policy in the Middle East (the hardline on Iran and focus on transactional exchanges) better aligned with Saudi’s regional strategy. It was, in fact, under Trump that negotiations with Saudi for the security “megadeal” began. Yet, the past year of war in Gaza and the conflict in the region has changed the status quo. Now, Saudi Arabia has stated that normalization with Israel is “off the table” until the question of Palestinian statehood is resolved—a challenge to the framework of Trump’s Abraham Accords. 

Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated President-elect Donald Trump, referring to him as a "friend" and expressing hope that Trump's re-election will strengthen Turkey-US relations and resolve regional and global crises. In a recent phone call, Erdoğan invited Trump to visit Turkey, signaling a desire to reset the bilateral relationship. The Trump administration's approach to Turkey has been characterized by cooperation and contention. While Trump has maintained a personal rapport with Erdoğan, his administration imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, leading to Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet program. Despite these challenges, Ankara has expressed optimism that Trump's re-election could improve ties. The Trump administration's transactional approach to foreign policy may lead to opportunities and challenges for Turkey as it navigates its alliance with the United States. All in all, while Ankara has cautiously welcomed Trump's re-election, the future of U.S.-Turkey relations will depend on how both nations address existing tensions and leverage opportunities for cooperation.

The United Arab Emirates  

The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed offered a statement on X congratulating the president-elect and his running mate and remarking on the countries’ “enduring partnership,” “shared ambitions for progress,” and “continued work...toward a future of opportunity, prosperity, and stability for all.” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice presidents of the UAE, also issued statements congratulating the president-elect. Commentators have stated that the hardline on Iran and focus on a transactional approach to economic partnership makes a Trump administration more appealing to the UAE. However, not only has the UAE conditioned their involvement in regional conflict resolution and peacebuilding on the establishment of a Palestinian state, it was announced in September that the UAE does not expect to re-open talks with either administration on the sale of US F-35 fighter jets, part of the deal associated with the Abraham Accords (even after it was first reported that they aimed to resume talks with a potential Trump administration), potentially indicating complications in their commitment to the US-led Abraham Accords and hesitancy to deepen the framework.

The views represented in this piece are those of the author and do not express the official position of the Wilson Center.