Syrian-Kurdish Researcher Claims Trump Seeks to Curb Saudi Influence

Syrian-Kurdish researcher Ali Tamimi alleges that the United States, under the influence of former President Donald Trump, is employing tactics to curb Saudi Arabia's growing regional power. Tamimi claims Washington is using the Houthi conflict as an indirect lever to pressure Riyadh into accepting a peace deal with Israel on unfavorable terms.

According to Tamimi, Saudi Arabia has recently rejected several US-backed initiatives, including joining the Abraham Accords, signing a peace agreement with Israel, and proposals to connect Saudi energy and trade routes through Jordan and Haifa. Instead, Riyadh has reportedly focused on deepening ties with Syria and Turkey to foster greater regional autonomy.

Tamimi draws a historical parallel to 19th-century Egypt, where Britain initially supported Muhammad Ali Pasha but later shifted its stance as his regional power threatened the existing balance. He suggests the US now views Saudi Arabia as an economic and military force too significant to remain unchecked, citing its rapprochement with Turkey, Pakistan, and Syria as evidence of its quiet but steady rise.

He further posits that despite the US-Iran rivalry, both powers may share an interest in weakening Arab states and maintaining their dependence on external arrangements. Tamimi points to Iraq as an example of a de facto US-Iran power-sharing agreement and suggests a similar model could be applied to Saudi Arabia.

Tamimi urges Saudi Arabia to proactively build its own independent sphere of influence, rather than merely defending itself. He recommends direct support for Sunnis in Lebanon and Iraq, strengthening the Syrian government, and expanding involvement in Sudan, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. The ultimate goal, he argues, should be to prevent Saudi Arabia from becoming isolated, weakened, and forced to accept externally imposed political settlements.