Trump’s Push for Abraham Accords Amid Iran Peace Talks

TEL AVIV, Israel — In a diplomatic twist, President Donald Trump introduced a bold condition to his peace talks with Iran. He proposed that several Arab and Muslim nations should join his Abraham Accords with Israel. Many of these countries already have ties with Israel. Despite this, the response from these nations was muted, and Israel provided no support.

Experts believe Trump’s new condition seems like an attempt to secure a legacy amidst his unpopular conflict with Iran. Observers note that instead of risking negotiations, the countries involved appear to be dismissing the demand.

“It’s gaslighting,”

said Aaron David Miller, a former State Department official, describing Trump’s sudden focus on the Accords. Trump previously pledged to transform Gaza into a luxury area, despite ongoing humanitarian issues.

An Arab official involved in peace talks commented on the misunderstanding of Trump’s stance, suggesting nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan expect thanks, not new conditions. Pakistan’s former ambassador to Iran, Asif Durrani, echoed this, highlighting the existing costs Gulf states have borne during the conflict with Iran.

Some countries face consistent counterattacks from Iran, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, despite not engaging directly in the initial conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Addressing Trump’s comments, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated expanding the Abraham Accords is natural alongside a peace deal with Iran. Trump highlighted this proposal on social media, calling on specific nations to join the accord and praising potential Iranian participation.

The Abraham Accords were a major foreign policy move during Trump’s first term, fostering UAE and Bahrain’s diplomatic relations with Israel. This shift showed a realignment, with former adversaries growing cautious of Iran’s influence.

Regional diplomats report limited pressure from the U.S. to join the Accords. Israel’s conflict in Gaza in 2023 triggered outrage in the Muslim world, though many now view Iran as a larger issue. Trump threatened to reconsider deals if his condition isn’t met, yet there’s no official stance from targeted Middle Eastern countries or Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu.

An Israeli official remarked on Israel’s desire to expand peace, acknowledging Trump’s role but indicating muted enthusiasm. Analysts suggest Israeli leaders currently overlook some of Trump’s proposals.

“I’m not sure how much Israelis take this seriously,” said Yoel Guzansky from Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies. Israeli strategies regarding Palestine further complicate diplomatic ties with countries like Saudi Arabia, while Israeli leaders may question Trump’s forceful focus on the Accords.

Michael Koplow, from the Israel Policy Forum, recognized Israel’s desire for expanded accords but noted that linking these to Iran diplomacy may not align with their interests.