Donald Trump's foreign policy, centered on business and deal-making, is being applied in the Middle East and potentially Ukraine. His approach involves transactional relationships without lecturing on human rights, contrasting with previous US administrations. This strategy has shown potential in the Middle East, including Syria, where offers of a Trump Tower in Damascus and minerals deals have seemingly influenced the lifting of US sanctions.

Trump aims to integrate Syria into the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and Gulf nations, which could transform the region despite existing obstacles. A similar business-first approach is being considered for Ukraine, where a minerals deal has reportedly increased Trump's sympathy. This coincides with growing impatience with Vladimir Putin's stance on a ceasefire. However, Russia's vast mineral and hydrocarbon wealth presents attractive deal-making opportunities, potentially influencing Trump's stance.

Trump has at times appeared to resent Ukraine for hindering a rapprochement with Moscow. The minerals deal may foster a more even-handed approach, potentially leading the US to pressure both sides to end the war. In other news, President Trump addressed his plan to accept a jet worth hundreds of millions of dollars as a gift from the Qatari royal family, questioned by national security analysts due to security concerns. The UN aid chief is calling on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, while Russia is reportedly using social media to maintain control in occupied Mariupol.

Elsewhere, Israel has targeted Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar in a hospital strike, and Syrians celebrated the planned lifting of sanctions by Trump. Zelensky asserts commitment to ceasefire talks in Turkey, expecting new sanctions on Russia if a ceasefire isn't agreed upon. Trump has threatened "maximum pressure" on Iran, stating they will "never have a nuclear weapon". Taiwan conducted its first live-fire test of US-supplied rocket systems. Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage in Gaza, was released and reunited with his family. Pope Leo XIV met with journalists, and locals in Chiclayo, Peru, claim to know the Pope's favorite dish. Bill Gates is giving away $200 billion through the Gates Foundation, and Trump is still considering attending talks on Ukraine in Turkey, unsure if Putin will attend, though Marco Rubio is scheduled to be there.