Exclusive Interview by Amr Gohar for YourNews
Washington DC – Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands said Saudi Arabia is increasingly positioning itself as a major global power as political and economic transformations continue reshaping the Middle East.
Speaking with YourNews during an Iranian opposition rally in Washington, Sands discussed Iran, President Donald Trump’s policies toward Tehran, divisions among Gulf allies, the future of Europe, and the growing strategic influence of Saudi Arabia in the region and globally.
Sands, who served during President Trump’s first administration, strongly defended U.S. actions against Iran and argued that countries in the Middle East are increasingly moving forward economically and strategically while many European countries are struggling with economic stagnation and security challenges.
She also emphasized her longstanding support for the Iranian people and criticized the Iranian regime’s treatment of women and political opponents.
Amr Gohar:
Why are you here today at the Iranian opposition rally?
Carla Sands:
I’ve had a heart for the people of Iran since I was a young girl. I saw the revolution and saw how women who had modern lives, freedom, and opportunities suddenly lost many of their rights.
Women who once lived freely were forced into repression. Seeing the regime’s treatment of the Iranian people, including torture and killings, made it clear that there was no freedom in Iran despite the country’s enormous potential.
That’s why I wanted to support this movement and stand with the Iranian people.
Amr Gohar:
You previously served as ambassador in Europe and worked during President Trump’s first administration. How do you see the international situation now, especially economically, with concerns growing across Europe and the Middle East?
Carla Sands:
I think President Trump absolutely made the right decision in making sure Iran would never obtain a nuclear weapon or long-range missiles capable of threatening the American people.
When a regime openly chants “Death to America,” you have to take those threats seriously. Ignoring them would be foolish.
Every president since Jimmy Carter said they would stop Iran, but President Trump actually acted. I believe NATO allies should support these efforts more strongly. Middle Eastern countries also need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States because keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is critical for them.
This regime has threatened Americans, organized operations abroad, and even attacked countries considered its partners. That shows how isolated it has become.
Amr Gohar:
The United States has strong allies in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, but there are visible tensions between them, especially regarding Yemen and regional influence. How do you see this situation moving forward?
Carla Sands:
We are seeing major political and economic changes in the Middle East. We saw the UAE leave OPEC+, and Saudi Arabia is increasingly asserting itself.
Saudi Arabia is saying it wants international companies based inside the Kingdom rather than elsewhere in the Gulf. I think much of this competition is economic, but it also reflects Saudi Arabia establishing itself as a bigger global power.
I believe the Middle East is moving forward alongside the United States and Asia into the 21st century, and there will be shared success.
Meanwhile, many European countries are falling behind economically and strategically. Some may struggle to maintain both their NATO commitments and domestic welfare systems in the future.
But overall, I believe President Trump’s actions have made the world safer.
Conclusion
Former Ambassador Carla Sands said the Middle East is entering a new phase of political and economic transformation, with Saudi Arabia increasingly emerging as a major regional and international power.
While acknowledging tensions among Gulf allies, Sands argued that the broader direction of the region remains tied to economic expansion, strategic competition, and stronger cooperation with the United States and Asia.
She also defended President Trump’s Iran policies, warning against allowing Tehran to develop nuclear weapons while expressing optimism that the Middle East could continue expanding economically and geopolitically in the years ahead.
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