Former US President Donald Trump has encouraged several Arab and Muslim nations to join the Abraham Accords with Israel once the ongoing conflict with Iran concludes. This marks a renewed effort to transform regional diplomacy following months of turmoil.
During a conference call held on Saturday, Trump spoke with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain. The discussion centered on a developing framework aimed at ending hostilities with Iran and stabilizing the broader Middle East.
Trump expressed his expectation that countries not yet part of the Abraham Accords would move toward normalizing relations with Israel if a final peace agreement with Iran is achieved. The Abraham Accords, initially signed in 2020, established diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab states, though key players like Saudi Arabia have yet to join the initiative.
Reactions among the regional leaders were mixed amid the evolving geopolitical landscape. Several participants showed conditional support for the emerging Iran agreement, with some open to continued engagement depending on negotiation outcomes. However, Trump’s proposal to expand normalization surprised some leaders, especially those without formal ties to Israel. A notable silence followed the suggestion before Trump eased the mood with a lighthearted comment about whether everyone was still on the call.
Trump also mentioned that his envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, would follow up in the coming weeks to explore further diplomatic possibilities. Later, on his social media platform, he thanked the regional governments for their cooperation and indicated that the Abraham Accords could be broadened as part of a wider peace initiative. He even suggested the potential for Iran to join the accords, contingent on Tehran recognizing Israel—a stance it has historically opposed.
Despite this push, significant diplomatic challenges remain, particularly concerning Saudi Arabia’s conditions for normalization. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously shown openness to normalizing relations with Israel, but Riyadh’s position has hardened amid the Gaza conflict and the broader regional tensions.
Saudi officials maintain that any normalization must be linked to an irreversible path toward Palestinian statehood, a demand Israel’s current government has rejected. The complex regional dynamics, including tensions with Iran and varying Gulf state positions, have further hindered prospects for swift progress.
US and Israeli officials now anticipate that meaningful advancements are unlikely before Israel’s next elections, with Saudi Arabia expected to adopt a cautious stance until political clarity emerges in Tel Aviv.
Nonetheless, Trump’s remarks highlight a renewed American effort to connect post-conflict diplomacy with broader regional realignment, focusing on expanding the Abraham Accords as a cornerstone of peace in the Middle East.
