Staff Reports
President Donald Trump has put a bold idea on the table: tie any Iran settlement to a broad expansion of the Abraham Accords. He said he told Gulf and regional leaders on a recent conference call that countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar should sign the Accords “immediately” and that most of the others named should follow. It is a high‑stakes push that aims to turn an Iran deal into a bigger peace and security bargain for the region.
Trump’s demand: sign the Abraham Accords
On his social platform, President Trump said he “mandatorily” asked a group of leaders to join the Abraham Accords if a deal with Iran moves forward. He named leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain. He even floated the idea that Iran could one day join the Accords. That is a jaw‑dropping proposal. The president is trying to use a possible Iran settlement as leverage to push Arab and Muslim countries to normalize ties with Israel.
Why expanding the Abraham Accords matters
Getting Saudi Arabia or Qatar to recognize Israel would be a seismic strategic shift. The Abraham Accords already changed the map when the UAE and Bahrain signed on. Adding big players would deepen security ties, expand trade, and isolate bad actors like Iran. Tying normalization to an Iran deal could make the bargain more balanced — not just concessions to Tehran, but a wider regional peace that advances American interests.
Pushback and a reality check
Don’t expect an instant parade. Pakistan publicly rejected the idea right away, and other governments will be cautious. Public opinion in many countries is still raw over the Gaza fighting, and leaders face real political limits at home. Saying “mandatory” on a conference call is good for headlines. It is not the same as doing quiet, patient diplomacy that wins over publics and rulers.
Still, give credit where it’s due: this is the sort of tough, big‑picture thinking the region needs. If the White House can pair an Iran settlement with real incentives — security guarantees, economic deals, energy access — the idea could work. It will take skill, not speeches. For now, Mr. Trump has put a clear marker down: any durable Iran deal should come with a plan to expand the Abraham Accords. Critics can roll their eyes. Leaders who want peace should get to work.
