In an exclusive interview with Le Point on Tuesday, Massad Boulos, President-elect Donald Trump’s newly-appointed Middle East advisor, outlined the administration’s immediate foreign policy priorities, placing significant emphasis on the swift release of hostages and addressing the Iran nuclear deal. These two critical issues, according to Boulos, will be at the forefront of the Trump administration’s engagement with the Middle East.
Immediate Focus on Hostage Release
Boulos made it clear that one of the Trump administration’s top priorities would be securing the release of hostages, with no further delay. “The president believes that the hostages must be released immediately and that there must be no further delay,” Boulos said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The new advisor stressed that the resolution of the hostage situation should be treated separately from other complex geopolitical issues, such as the ongoing situation in Gaza. While these matters may intersect in broader negotiations, Boulos asserted that any agreement regarding hostages should not be contingent on resolutions related to Gaza’s future.
“The fate of the hostages should not be linked to other issues related to the day after in Gaza,” he added, hinting at the delicate nature of the region’s broader challenges. To support these efforts, Boulos highlighted the role of several countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Turkey, who are working together to facilitate the release of hostages.
Re-evaluating the Iran Nuclear Deal
Another central issue for the Trump administration, according to Boulos, will be a re-evaluation of the Iran nuclear deal. Boulos did not elaborate on specifics, but his comments signaled the administration’s intention to revisit and potentially renegotiate aspects of the agreement, which was reached under the Obama administration in 2015.
This approach aligns with Trump’s longstanding criticism of the deal, which he has described as “flawed” and “disastrous” for the United States. As president, Trump has consistently promised to take a tougher stance on Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear ambitions and regional activities.
The future of the deal has been a topic of debate since the U.S. withdrew from it in 2018. While the Trump administration aims to pressure Iran into a new agreement or further concessions, the dynamics of international diplomacy surrounding the nuclear deal are expected to be a major challenge.
Broader Regional Impact
Boulos’ statements reflect the Trump administration’s intention to pursue a more assertive, action-oriented policy in the Middle East. The focus on hostages and the Iran nuclear deal underscores the administration’s belief in prioritizing immediate, concrete outcomes over long-term multilateral engagements.
While Boulos did not delve into specific strategies for navigating the political complexities in Gaza or Iran, his comments hint at the administration’s commitment to achieving quick wins in a region often characterized by protracted diplomatic efforts. The collaboration of regional actors like Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in resolving the hostage crisis could also signal a shift towards leveraging traditional alliances to achieve foreign policy objectives.
A Changing Middle East Landscape
As the Trump administration prepares to enter office, the Middle East remains one of the most volatile regions in the world. With ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, and Syria, and the looming challenge of managing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the new team in Washington will need to tread carefully as it redefines U.S. policy in the region.
Boulos’ interview provides a glimpse into the administration’s initial diplomatic priorities, suggesting that the focus will be on resolving immediate crises, such as hostage situations, while also addressing the longer-term challenge posed by Iran’s nuclear program. Whether this approach will yield results in the short and long term remains to be seen, but it will undoubtedly shape U.S. engagement in the Middle East for years to come.