WASHINGTON:  (AP) President Donald Trump was heading to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, 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 US 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 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.