WASHINGTON – In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump emphasized that any potential agreement with Iran should incorporate a requirement for several other nations, notably Saudi Arabia and Turkey, to join the Abraham Accords. These accords, which were established during Trump’s first term, aimed to normalize relations between Israel and various Arab nations.
Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, stating that they are “proceeding nicely.” However, he made it clear that any final agreement would need to be contingent upon an expansion of participation in the Abraham Accords. He specifically mentioned that countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar should “immediately” endorse the accords, followed by Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan.
The Abraham Accords, which saw Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as the first signatories in 2020, have raised questions about how this new proposal for expansion will be received by the broader international community.
Trump argued that, given the extensive diplomatic efforts made by the United States to bring about these agreements, it should be a prerequisite for these nations to simultaneously join the Abraham Accords. The former president noted that he discussed this plan with leaders during negotiations held over the weekend.
While Trump indicated he would be open to “one or two” countries opting out of the accords, he believes the majority should be willing to participate. Egypt and Jordan already have formal recognition of Israel through longstanding peace treaties.
Masood Khan, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, commented on the potential implications of Trump’s proposal, suggesting that the invocation of the Abraham Accords adds a new layer to the diplomatic negotiations, as this topic was not previously on the agenda.
Despite facing criticism from fellow Republicans for the need to secure a favorable deal, Khan noted that the diplomatic efforts are still ongoing and highlighted Pakistan’s central role in these discussions, supported by other regional countries.
Currently, it remains uncertain when or how a deal with Iran might be finalized. Trump even suggested that Iran could eventually be included in the accords, contingent on successful negotiations.
The Abraham Accords consist of a series of diplomatic, economic, and security agreements fostered by U.S. influence during Trump’s presidency, initially involving Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, and later expanding to include Sudan, Morocco, and Kazakhstan. These agreements are framed as efforts to enhance cooperation among Middle Eastern and North African nations, with the U.S. administration viewing them as a pathway to establishing full diplomatic ties with Israel.
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Ahmed reported from Islamabad.
