Trump calls for broader participation in Abraham Accords amid Iran negotiations

Former President Donald Trump stated that any agreement aimed at ending the conflict with Iran should require additional countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords. In a recent social media post, Trump noted that negotiations are progressing but emphasized the necessity of expanding participation in the agreements established during his presidency to normalize relations with Israel.

Trump named Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan as nations that should immediately sign the accords. The original agreements, initiated in 2020, saw Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as the first two nations to formalize ties with Israel. He remarked, "after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords."

However, Saudi Arabia has indicated that any normalization must first ensure a clear plan for Palestinian statehood, a stance echoed by Pakistan, which does not currently have diplomatic relations with Israel. Experts suggest that while Trump's proposal introduces a new element to diplomatic discussions, the practicality of this approach is uncertain. Masood Khan, a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S., noted that the inclusion of the accords may alter the dynamics of ongoing negotiations but stressed that regional cooperation remains integral to progress. It is still unclear when or how a deal with Iran may materialize, with Trump suggesting even Iran could potentially join the accords if an agreement is reached.