The United States has signed a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, a move being presented as an energy partnership but one that is raising serious strategic questions across West Asia. While Washington says the deal supports Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear ambitions, critics warn it could reshape the regional balance of power.

The agreement has sparked concerns in Israel over nuclear proliferation, while questions remain about uranium enrichment restrictions, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight, and whether the deal is linked to Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Sparks Fears of Middle East Nuclear Arms Race | Israel, Iran on Edge

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on Friday (Jul 24) defended President Donald Trump's decision to condition a newly signed US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords, saying Americans should "just assume and trust" that the president knows how to deal with the Saudi leadership.Speaking to reporters, Miller was asked why Trump announced the new condition only a day after Washington and Riyadh signed the nuclear cooperation agreement."The president has been very clear with Saudi Arabia," Miller said, adding that he expects the kingdom to normalise relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-must-normalise-ties-with-israel-to-secure-nuclear-deal-with-us-trump-1784812903857">Saudi Arabia must join Abraham Accords to normalise ties with Israel for nuclear deal with US: Trump</a><h2>'Trump understands Saudi psychology'</h2>Miller argued that Trump has a unique understanding of Saudi Arabia's leadership and negotiating style. "The president, better than any American alive, understands the psychology of the kingdom, the players in the kingdom, and what that relationship looks like," Miller said."So he understands Saudi psychology. He understands the Saudi plan, the future. So we should just assume and trust that the president knows exactly what to do and how to do it," he added.His remarks came amid growing questions over the future of the agreement after Trump publicly linked it to Saudi Arabia's recognition of Israel.<h2>Trump confirms new condition</h2>At the White House on Thursday, Trump said the civilian nuclear agreement would proceed only if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords."It's a two-way street, and we think it's very important for the future of the Middle East," the president said.Earlier on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the agreement "will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords."White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later insisted that Trump had communicated this position to Saudi leaders in previous conversations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-has-evil-intentions-vows-it-will-never-get-nuclear-weapons-rubio-warns-iran-will-continue-to-pay-a-very-heavy-price-1784857820016">Trump warns Iran has 'evil intentions', vows it will 'never' get nuclear weapons</a><h2>Saudi stance remains unchanged</h2>Trump's condition comes despite Saudi Arabia repeatedly stating that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until there is a credible pathway to a Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.The condition was not included in the civilian nuclear agreement announced a day earlier, raising uncertainty over whether the deal can move forward.<h2>Nuclear deal sparks proliferation concerns</h2>The agreement has also prompted debate among nuclear experts after reports suggested it could allow the export of US nuclear technology without some of the safeguards typically included in civilian nuclear cooperation agreements.While Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained that safeguards against nuclear proliferation remain in place, analysts have questioned whether the proposed arrangement could weaken long-standing US non-proliferation policy. The agreement still requires approval by the US Congress before it can take effect.

White House deputy chief of staff says Americans should 'just assume and trust' Trump as Saudi Arabia resists normalising ties with Israel. Here's what he said.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on Friday (Jul 24) defended President Donald Trump's decision to condition a newly signed US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords, saying Americans should "just assume and trust" that the president knows how to deal with the Saudi leadership. Speaking to reporters, Miller was asked why Trump announced the new condition only a day after Washington and Riyadh signed the nuclear cooperation agreement. "The president has been very clear with Saudi Arabia," Miller said, adding that he expects the kingdom to normalise relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords. Also read | Saudi Arabia must join Abraham Accords to normalise ties with Israel for nuclear deal with US: Trump 'Trump understands Saudi psychology' Miller argued that Trump has a unique understanding of Saudi Arabia's leadership and negotiating style. "The president, better than any American alive, understands the psychology of the kingdom, the players in the kingdom, and what that relationship looks like," Miller said. "So he understands Saudi psychology. He understands the Saudi plan, the future. So we should just assume and trust that the president knows exactly what to do and how to do it," he added. His remarks came amid growing questions over the future of the agreement after Trump publicly linked it to Saudi Arabia's recognition of Israel. Trump confirms new condition At the White House on Thursday, Trump said the civilian nuclear agreement would proceed only if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords. "It's a two-way street, and we think it's very important for the future of the Middle East," the president said. Earlier on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the agreement "will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later insisted that Trump had communicated this position to Saudi leaders in previous conversations. Also read | Trump warns Iran has 'evil intentions', vows it will 'never' get nuclear weapons Saudi stance remains unchanged Trump's condition comes despite Saudi Arabia repeatedly stating that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until there is a credible pathway to a Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. The condition was not included in the civilian nuclear agreement announced a day earlier, raising uncertainty over whether the deal can move forward. Nuclear deal sparks proliferation concerns The agreement has also prompted debate among nuclear experts after reports suggested it could allow the export of US nuclear technology without some of the safeguards typically included in civilian nuclear cooperation agreements. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained that safeguards against nuclear proliferation remain in place, analysts have questioned whether the proposed arrangement could weaken long-standing US non-proliferation policy. The agreement still requires approval by the US Congress before it can take effect.

White House deputy chief of staff says Americans should 'just assume and trust' Trump as Saudi Arabia resists normalising ties with Israel. Here's what he said.

'Trust Trump, he understands Saudi psychology': Stephen Miller defends surprise Israel condition in US-Saudi nuclear deal

US President Donald Trump has announced that the proposed civilian nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia will only be approved if Riyadh recognizes the State of Israel by joining the Abraham Accords. Trump stated that the deal, which is limited to non-military civilian nuclear energy and prohibits uranium enrichment, is "totally subject" to Saudi Arabia becoming part of the Abraham Accords. The remarks have raised fresh questions over the future of US-Saudi relations and Middle East diplomacy, especially since the text of the agreement has not yet been released. Saudi Arabia has not officially responded to Trump's latest statement.

Trump makes Saudi Nuclear deal conditional on Israel recognition | Abraham Accords back in Focus

Donald Trump wants more Muslim nations including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and even Iran to normalise ties with Israel under an expanded Abraham Accords framework. But with the Gaza war raging and anger against Israel rising across the Muslim world, can “Abraham Accords 2.0” really succeed? Is this a peace push, a diplomatic diversion, or part of a larger Netanyahu strategy? 


Iran Deal Hinges On Gulf States Signing Abraham Accords 

Trump Pushes Abraham Accords 2.0 but Saudi & Pakistan Draw Red Lines

The United States is reportedly pushing for broader regional alignment through the Abraham Accords framework, with suggestions that Pakistan could be encouraged to join future agreements. However, questions remain over whether Pakistan’s military leadership, including General Asim Munir, would agree to such a move given current geopolitical realities and domestic considerations.


US President Trump Wants Arab Nations, Pak To Sign Abraham Accords

As negotiations over a possible US-Iran agreement continue, Donald Trump has once again pushed for the expansion of the Abraham Accords, the diplomatic agreements that reshaped relations between Israel and parts of the Arab world in 2020. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had urged Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan to join the accords, adding that if Iran reached an agreement with Washington, “it would be an Honor to have them also be part of this unparalleled World Coalition”, adding that, “The Abraham Accords have been great for them, and will be even better for everybody, and bring true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East.” His remarks have renewed attention on an initiative that remains one of the most consequential diplomatic shifts in the modern Middle East. Trump has repeatedly said he ⁠wants to ​expand the accords that he brokered during his first term in the White House.<h2>What exactly are the Abraham Accords?</h2>The Abraham Accords were a series of agreements brokered by the United States during Trump’s first term to normalise diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed first in September 2020, becoming the first Arab states in a quarter century to formally recognise Israel. Morocco and Sudan later followed in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The accords were heavily shaped by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and focused not only on diplomacy, but also on trade, investment, tourism and security cooperation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taj-mahal-s-iranian-secret-why-iran-took-a-swipe-at-marco-rubio-s-visit-truth-about-mumtaz-mahal-s-persian-roots-1779786217852">Taj Mahal’s Iranian secret! Why Iran took swipe at Marco Rubio’s visit &amp; truth about Mumtaz Mahal’s Persian roots| WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;According to the US State Department, the accords were built on “mutual understanding and coexistence” and sought to advance “peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East and around the world”.<h2>Why some countries joined the accords</h2>Kazakhstan joined the accords last year, becoming the first post-Soviet state to join the pact with Israel.&nbsp;For countries such as the UAE and Bahrain, the accords opened opportunities for economic partnerships, technology cooperation and closer security ties with both Israel and the United States. Trade between Israel and Gulf states expanded rapidly after the agreements were signed, particularly in sectors such as defence, tourism, energy and artificial intelligence. Washington also viewed the accords as a strategic regional realignment aimed at countering Iranian influence while integrating Israel more deeply into the Middle East.&nbsp;

&nbsp;<h2>Why others still refuse to join</h2>Despite US pressure, several major Muslim-majority nations have refused to join. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly insisted that there can be no normalisation with Israel without a ‘clear path’ towards the creation of a Palestinian state, a demand strongly opposed by Israel’s current government. Pakistan, which has never formally recognised Israel since 1948, swiftly rejected Trump’s latest proposal. On Tuesday, Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said joining the accords would contradict Pakistan’s ‘fundamental ideals’.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/will-iran-war-finally-end-what-we-know-and-don-t-know-about-fragile-us-iran-deal-still-facing-key-disputes-1779788417971">Will Iran war finally end? What we know and don’t know about fragile US-Iran deal still facing key disputes</a>&nbsp;Palestinian leaders have also criticised the agreements, arguing that Arab nations normalised ties with Israel without securing meaningful progress on Palestinian statehood.<h2>Why the accords matter today</h2>Five years after they were signed, the Abraham Accords remain central to Middle Eastern diplomacy. Supporters view them as a rare framework for regional cooperation in a deeply fractured region. Critics argue they bypassed the Palestinian issue without resolving it.&nbsp;Trump’s latest attempt to revive and expand the accords amid negotiations with Iran reflects a broader US strategy: reducing conflict through regional alliances while reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East. Whether more countries eventually join may depend less on Washington’s pressure and more on whether the region’s unresolved political conflicts can be addressed.

The Abraham Accords were a series of agreements brokered by the United States during Trump’s first term to normalise diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

As negotiations over a possible US-Iran agreement continue, Donald Trump has once again pushed for the expansion of the Abraham Accords, the diplomatic agreements that reshaped relations between Israel and parts of the Arab world in 2020. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had urged Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan to join the accords, adding that if Iran reached an agreement with Washington, “it would be an Honor to have them also be part of this unparalleled World Coalition”, adding that, “The Abraham Accords have been great for them, and will be even better for everybody, and bring true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East.” His remarks have renewed attention on an initiative that remains one of the most consequential diplomatic shifts in the modern Middle East. Trump has repeatedly said he ⁠wants to expand the accords that he brokered during his first term in the White House. What exactly are the Abraham Accords? The Abraham Accords were a series of agreements brokered by the United States during Trump’s first term to normalise diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed first in September 2020, becoming the first Arab states in a quarter century to formally recognise Israel. Morocco and Sudan later followed in 2020 and 2021 respectively. The accords were heavily shaped by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and focused not only on diplomacy, but also on trade, investment, tourism and security cooperation.

The Abraham Accords were a series of agreements brokered by the United States during Trump’s first term to normalise diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

What are Abraham Accords? The countries that joined, those that refused and why they matter today

Abraham Accords: Will Pakistan Move Toward Normalising Ties With Israel?

US President Donald Trump on Monday stunned Arab and Muslim leaders when he said that he would only broker a peace deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if there was a normalisation with Israel. Arab and Muslim leaders who were caught off-guard have reacted with deep hesitation, silence and conditional pushback. According to US officials who leaked the details of the conversation to Axios, told that the demand left Arab leaders in silence, so much so that Trump quipped, "Are they still there?" Later, Trump said that his team of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will follow up with Arab countries on the normalisation with Israel in the following weeks.&nbsp;<h2>What is Trump trying to achieve, and why did he leak the details of the call?</h2>A Truth Social post by Trump claimed that the Abraham Accords will bring “peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years”, and Trump did not stop there; he also floated the highly controversial idea that the Islamic Republic of Iran join the Abraham Accords. Trump's push for the expansion of the Abraham Accords can be seen as his interest in consolidating the fractured MAGA base ahead of the midterms. By expanding the Abraham Accords, Trump will shield the potential Iran deal fallout from the pro-Israel camp among the Republicans. At the same time, he could claim a moral victory over the anti-war critics by bundling the peace deal with the Abraham Accords as a historic achievement.&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz is not just a shipping lane; it is the physical valve that regulates the Petrodollar system, yet he is using the security as a leverage against the very nations that sustain it. By publicly leaking the details of the call, Trump at first tested the reaction of the Arab and Muslim leaders. Because he is playing a gambit, which side is more desperate about the reopening of Hormuz? He wants to push the hands of the Arab leaders who do not openly normalise with Israel but hold reservations against the Islamic Republic of Iran.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-rejects-germany-eu-associate-membership-proposal-1779542543870">Zelensky wants full EU membership, not a symbolic seat at the table</a><h2>What does it mean for Israel, Iran and a Palestinian state?</h2>The Abraham Accords expansion with major Arab nations will push Palestine into limbo, and it will sideline the UN-mandated two-state solution. The expansion will push Palestinians into a corner and change the peace for land to peace for peace paradigm. It undermines the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which sought the establishment of a Palestinian political state in exchange for normalisation of relations with Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The whole narrative control and art of the deal of Trump does not seem to factor in the religious doctrine that drives both Israel, Iran and Christian Evangelists. The name “Abraham Accords” was chosen to emphasise the shared Abrahamic roots of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. But the important caveat is that Iran and Israel have different eschatological world views. For Israel, its building of the Third Temple and the coming of the Messianic Age. Israel does not seek normalisation; it seeks total domination in the war of Gog and Magog. On the other hand, Iran's Shia doctrine holds the liberation of Jerusalem as the prerequisite for the end times; it is centred around the war with the "Great Satan". Further, this is complicated by Trump's own voter base of Christian Evangelical Zionists, who view Jewish control of Jerusalem as a prerequisite for the second coming of Jesus Christ. The important part where the scripts of all sides collide. The geopolitical and diplomatic involvement is part of fulfilling that script. Any everlasting diplomatic solution seems unlikely for religious zealots on both sides who see this as deferring cosmic events.

US President Donald Trump reportedly linked reopening the Strait of Hormuz to expanding the Abraham Accords with Israel. Here’s what the strategy means for Iran, Arab states and Palestine.

US President Donald Trump on Monday stunned Arab and Muslim leaders when he said that he would only broker a peace deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if there was a normalisation with Israel. Arab and Muslim leaders who were caught off-guard have reacted with deep hesitation, silence and conditional pushback. According to US officials who leaked the details of the conversation to Axios, told that the demand left Arab leaders in silence, so much so that Trump quipped, "Are they still there?" Later, Trump said that his team of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will follow up with Arab countries on the normalisation with Israel in the following weeks. What is Trump trying to achieve, and why did he leak the details of the call? A Truth Social post by Trump claimed that the Abraham Accords will bring “peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years”, and Trump did not stop there; he also floated the highly controversial idea that the Islamic Republic of Iran join the Abraham Accords. Trump's push for the expansion of the Abraham Accords can be seen as his interest in consolidating the fractured MAGA base ahead of the midterms. By expanding the Abraham Accords, Trump will shield the potential Iran deal fallout from the pro-Israel camp among the Republicans. At the same time, he could claim a moral victory over the anti-war critics by bundling the peace deal with the Abraham Accords as a historic achievement. The Strait of Hormuz is not just a shipping lane; it is the physical valve that regulates the Petrodollar system, yet he is using the security as a leverage against the very nations that sustain it. By publicly leaking the details of the call, Trump at first tested the reaction of the Arab and Muslim leaders. Because he is playing a gambit, which side is more desperate about the reopening of Hormuz? He wants to push the hands of the Arab leaders who do not openly normalise with Israel but hold reservations against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Also Read: Zelensky wants full EU membership, not a symbolic seat at the table What does it mean for Israel, Iran and a Palestinian state? The Abraham Accords expansion with major Arab nations will push Palestine into limbo, and it will sideline the UN-mandated two-state solution. The expansion will push Palestinians into a corner and change the peace for land to peace for peace paradigm. It undermines the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which sought the establishment of a Palestinian political state in exchange for normalisation of relations with Israel. The whole narrative control and art of the deal of Trump does not seem to factor in the religious doctrine that drives both Israel, Iran and Christian Evangelists. The name “Abraham Accords” was chosen to emphasise the shared Abrahamic roots of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. But the important caveat is that Iran and Israel have different eschatological world views. For Israel, its building of the Third Temple and the coming of the Messianic Age. Israel does not seek normalisation; it seeks total domination in the war of Gog and Magog. On the other hand, Iran's Shia doctrine holds the liberation of Jerusalem as the prerequisite for the end times; it is centred around the war with the "Great Satan". Further, this is complicated by Trump's own voter base of Christian Evangelical Zionists, who view Jewish control of Jerusalem as a prerequisite for the second coming of Jesus Christ. The important part where the scripts of all sides collide. The geopolitical and diplomatic involvement is part of fulfilling that script. Any everlasting diplomatic solution seems unlikely for religious zealots on both sides who see this as deferring cosmic events.

US President Donald Trump reportedly linked reopening the Strait of Hormuz to expanding the Abraham Accords with Israel. Here’s what the strategy means for Iran, Arab states and Palestine.

Trump’s Hormuz gambit and Abraham Accords expansion: How does it sideline Palestine?

Pakistan's Khawaja Asif has rejected Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords, reaffirming it will not recognize Israel until an independent Palestinian state is established. Islamabad’s stance comes amid renewed US efforts to expand Arab-Israel normalization agreements.


Trump, Asim Munir and Abraham Accords: What is Pakistan’s position on Israel?

Abraham Accords: Will Pakistan Normalise Ties With Israel?

A day after US President Donald Trump asked Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Islamabad would not support any agreement that conflicts with the country's “fundamental ideologies”, reported Pakistani media. In an interview with Pakistani broadcaster Samaa TV, Asif was asked about the possibility of Pakistan signing onto the Abraham Accords following reported pressure from US President Donald Trump. While Asif clarified that he is speaking in personal capacity, the Pakistani government has not yet issued any official statement on the same.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Watch | Pakistan’s defense minister rejects normalization with Israel amid pressure over Abraham Accords Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected the idea of joining any normalization agreement with Israel, saying Pakistan would not accept accords that clash… <a href="https://t.co/h8vWq0uzps">pic.twitter.com/h8vWq0uzps</a>&mdash; Quds News Network (@QudsNen) <a href="https://twitter.com/QudsNen/status/2059035154769670381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-push-for-muslim-nations-joining-abraham-accords-puts-pakistan-in-a-fix-1779729876943">Trump’s push for Muslim nations to join Abraham Accords puts Pakistan in a fix</a><h2>What Khawaja Asif said?</h2>"Personally, I don't think we should join any such accord that clashes with our fundamental ideologies," Asif said during the interview. Questioning the credibility of engagement with Israel, the Pakistani Defence Minister added, "How will you sit down with those people whose word cannot be trusted even for a single day?" He further reiterated Islamabad's long-standing position on the issue, saying, "We have a very clear stance that this is not acceptable to us." Asif also pointed to Pakistan's passport policy regarding Israel, underscoring the country's refusal to recognise the Jewish state (Israel). "And secondly, on our passports, we are the only country whose passports don't even include Israel's name," he said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/abraham-accords-us-president-wants-arab-nations-pakistan-to-sign-peace-deal-with-israel-1779764474507/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/abraham-accords-us-president-wants-arab-nations-pakistan-to-sign-peace-deal-with-israel-1779764474507/embed</a><h2>What Trump said</h2>US President Donald Trump, while hinting that negotiations with Iran are “proceeding nicely", insisted that six Muslim-majority countries must join the Abraham Accords which means signing of agreements normalising ties with Israel ahead of any deal between the US and Iran to end the war. The same was earlier reported by Axios. Trump said that expansion of the accords “should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit.” He added that during discussions with leaders of Muslim and Arab states, he told them that “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.” “The Abraham Accords have proven to be, for the Countries involved (The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Kazakhstan), a Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM, even during this time of Conflict and War, with the current Members never even suggesting leaving, or taking so much as even a pause,” he wrote in a lengthy post on Truth Social.

Pakistan has refused to commit to joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying Islamabad would not support agreements that clash with its “fundamental ideologies.” His remarks came after Trump urged Pakistan to normalize ties with Israel

A day after US President Donald Trump asked Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Islamabad would not support any agreement that conflicts with the country's “fundamental ideologies”, reported Pakistani media. In an interview with Pakistani broadcaster Samaa TV, Asif was asked about the possibility of Pakistan signing onto the Abraham Accords following reported pressure from US President Donald Trump. While Asif clarified that he is speaking in personal capacity, the Pakistani government has not yet issued any official statement on the same.

Pakistan has refused to commit to joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying Islamabad would not support agreements that clash with its “fundamental ideologies.” His remarks came after Trump urged Pakistan to normalize ties with Israel

'Cannot be trusted...': Pakistan issues first response on Trump’s offer to normalise ties with Israel, Khawaja Asif says...

Reports suggest a major geopolitical shift could be unfolding as discussions grow around expanding the Abraham Accords beyond its current signatories. U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that even Iran could, in theory, one day be part of the framework if regional tensions ease after the Iran conflict. The Accords, first brokered in 2020, aim to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Now, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are also being encouraged to consider formal ties with Israel, signaling a potential realignment in Middle East diplomacy—though deep political and ideological hurdles remain.


Abraham Accords: US President Wants Arab Nations, Pakistan to Sign Peace Deal With Israel 

The United States is reportedly pushing for broader regional alignment through the Abraham Accords framework, with suggestions that Pakistan could be encouraged to join future agreements. However, questions remain over whether Pakistan’s military leadership, including General Asim Munir, would agree to such a move given current geopolitical realities and domestic considerations.

Trump Wants Pakistan To Join Abraham Accord, But Will Munir Agree?

US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, linking the future of a potential peace agreement with Tehran to a big diplomatic reshaping across the Middle East.&nbsp;In a lengthy Truth Social post on Monday, Trump said that the ongoing negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely” but warned that failure to reach a deal could send the region back to the “battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before.”&nbsp;Trump’s push came during a phone call with leaders from Muslim countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-immediate-energy-or-fertiliser-crisis-normalcy-in-4-5-days-if-iran-war-ends-govt-1779720018471">‘No immediate energy or fertiliser crisis, normalcy in 4-5 days if Iran war ends’: Govt</a><h2>Nations involved in peace talks should be ‘mandatory signatories,’ says Trump</h2>&nbsp;Trump told the leaders that countries involved in the discussions “should be mandatory” signatories to the Abraham Accords if a peace settlement with Iran is achieved. He added that the Abraham Accords had delivered a “Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM” for countries already involved, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and Kazakhstan.&nbsp;Trump said that the agreements could bring “true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years”.“It should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit,” Trump wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-demands-urgent-release-of-12-billion-frozen-in-qatar-before-advancing-peace-talks-with-us-1779714088498">Iran demands urgent release of $12 billion frozen in Qatar before advancing peace talks with US</a>&nbsp;He said Iran should also become part of the agreement if it finalises a peace deal with Washington.&nbsp;The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalised diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations, but Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan avoided formal recognition of Israel.Trump’s push is aimed at turning Iran peace deal into a Middle East realignment, one that could pull regional powers into a new US-backed order highly beneficial to Israel.&nbsp;<h2>Trump catches all leaders off guard</h2>&nbsp;Trump’s proposal was met with silence from several leaders, reported Axios. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan who do not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel were caught off guard.“One of the US officials said Trump joked and asked if they were still there,” Axios reported.Iran’s inclusion in any such framework, though highly unlikely, would mark an even more dramatic shift given Tehran’s long-running conflict with Israel.&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-deal-signing-in-a-few-days-terms-of-agreement-being-finalised-reports-1779655943195">US-Iran deal signing in a few days, terms of agreement being finalised: Reports</a><h2>Why Pakistan finds itself in a tight spot</h2>&nbsp;Trump’s push creates a huge challenge for Pakistan, since it is wilfully playing the mediator and is basking in the glory of its new role.Moreover, Pakistan also maintains deep economic, military and political ties with Gulf monarchies that are increasingly engaging with Israel under US pressure. Pakistan has also been wary of domestic backlash on joining the accords and hence this paradox puts Islamabad in an uncomfortable position.Furthermore, Pakistan’s dependence on Gulf financial assistance, remittances and security cooperation will only intensify the pressure on it if they join.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-iran-agree-in-principle-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-senior-official-1779651528322">US and Iran agree in principle to reopen Strait of Hormuz, says senior official</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;However, any recognition of Israel risks provoking strong opposition from religious groups at home.In 2025, Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar firmly rejected speculation that Islamabad could join the accords. “We are not ready to recognise Israel until the two-state solution to the Palestine conflict is accepted,” Dar said.“There is no change in our stated policy on the Palestine issue.”&nbsp;Trump’s push puts Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a difficult spot as they will have to balance growing US pressure with the deeply sensitive public stance on Palestine at home.&nbsp;Trump’s demand is not something Pakistan had hoped for as payback after playing peacemaker between Iran and the US.

President Donald Trump said that countries involved in the discussions should be mandatory signatories to the Abraham Accords if a peace settlement with Iran is achieved. Trump said it should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit.

US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, linking the future of a potential peace agreement with Tehran to a big diplomatic reshaping across the Middle East. In a lengthy Truth Social post on Monday, Trump said that the ongoing negotiations with Iran were “proceeding nicely” but warned that failure to reach a deal could send the region back to the “battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before.” Trump’s push came during a phone call with leaders from Muslim countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Also Read: ‘No immediate energy or fertiliser crisis, normalcy in 4-5 days if Iran war ends’: Govt Nations involved in peace talks should be ‘mandatory signatories,’ says Trump Trump told the leaders that countries involved in the discussions “should be mandatory” signatories to the Abraham Accords if a peace settlement with Iran is achieved. He added that the Abraham Accords had delivered a “Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM” for countries already involved, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan and Kazakhstan. Trump said that the agreements could bring “true Power, Strength, and Peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years”. “It should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit,” Trump wrote.

President Donald Trump said that countries involved in the discussions should be mandatory signatories to the Abraham Accords if a peace settlement with Iran is achieved. Trump said it should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit.

Trump’s push for Muslim nations to join Abraham Accords puts Pakistan in a fix

Abraham Accords: Trump Wants Arab Nations To Sign Peace Deal With Israel 

Israel becomes the first United Nations member country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an Independent and sovereign state, ending a three-decade-long struggle of the region, which broke away from Somalia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Dec 26) signed a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to establish full diplomatic ties with the country "in the spirit of the Abrahmic Accords" championed by US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas of agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He congratulated President Abdullahi and extended an invitation to visit Israel.&nbsp;“I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel,” Netaynayahu posted on X.<h2>Somliland's quest for legitimacy</h2>Somaliland, formally known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa and inhabited by a Majority Sunni Muslim population.&nbsp;It enjoyed a brief recognition as an independent country for five days in 1960, when Somaliland was recognised by 35 countries, including Israel, before it was united with Somalia. It finally broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war and declared itself as an independent nation without international recognition. However, several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Denmark, and Kenya, maintained informal diplomatic ties with Somaliland.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-s-youngest-civilian-warrior-sharvan-singh-awarded-rashtriya-bal-puraskar-for-helping-soldiers-during-operation-sindoor-indian-armed-forces-1766763659962">India’s Youngest Civil Warrior, Sharvan Singh awarded Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for helping soldiers during Operation Sindoor</a>&nbsp;Somalia, which considers Somaliland as a breakaway province, has long rejected and rallied against efforts to gain international recognition.<h2>Somaliland's reaction to Israeli recognition</h2>Somaliland’s president welcomed Israel’s announcement recognising its statehood, calling the move the start of a “strategic partnership”.In a post on X, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the recognition as a “historic moment” and said Somaliland was ready to join the Abraham Accords, which normalise relations with Israel. "This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome the Prime Minister of the State of Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland's readiness to join the Abraham Accords," normalising relations with Israel, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi posted on X. &nbsp;

Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa that lacks international recognition as a separate country.

Israel becomes the first United Nations member country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an Independent and sovereign state, ending a three-decade-long struggle of the region, which broke away from Somalia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Dec 26) signed a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to establish full diplomatic ties with the country "in the spirit of the Abrahmic Accords" championed by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas of agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He congratulated President Abdullahi and extended an invitation to visit Israel. “I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel,” Netaynayahu posted on X. Somliland's quest for legitimacy Somaliland, formally known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa and inhabited by a Majority Sunni Muslim population. It enjoyed a brief recognition as an independent country for five days in 1960, when Somaliland was recognised by 35 countries, including Israel, before it was united with Somalia. It finally broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war and declared itself as an independent nation without international recognition. However, several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Denmark, and Kenya, maintained informal diplomatic ties with Somaliland. Also Read: India’s Youngest Civil Warrior, Sharvan Singh awarded Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for helping soldiers during Operation Sindoor Somalia, which considers Somaliland as a breakaway province, has long rejected and rallied against efforts to gain international recognition. Somaliland's reaction to Israeli recognition Somaliland’s president welcomed Israel’s announcement recognising its statehood, calling the move the start of a “strategic partnership”. In a post on X, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the recognition as a “historic moment” and said Somaliland was ready to join the Abraham Accords, which normalise relations with Israel. "This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome the Prime Minister of the State of Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland's readiness to join the Abraham Accords," normalising relations with Israel, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi posted on X.

Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa that lacks international recognition as a separate country.

Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state

Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman had a heated exchange at the White House over Israel’s war in Gaza and the Saudi Crown Prince rejected joining Abraham Accords until the creation of a pathway towards Palestinian statehood, according to a report.


US-Saudi relations: Saudi Crown Prince pushes back joining Abraham Accords

In a big announcement, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Nov 7) said that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords to have normalised relations with Israel. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that he held a call with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Trump also hinted at more countries joining the Abraham Accords soon. Earlier, Trump met with Tokayev alongside four other Central Asian leaders at the White House. However, the move is termed to be symbolic as Kazakhstan already has full diplomatic relations and economic ties with Israel, Reuters reported.&nbsp;"I just held a great call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of Israel, and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is the first Country of my Second Term to join the Abraham Accords, the first of many. This is a major step forward in building bridges across the World.," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Further he added in his post, “Today, more Nations are lining up to embrace Peace and Prosperity through my Abraham Accords. We will soon announce a Signing Ceremony to make it official, and there are many more Countries trying to join this club of STRENGTH.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20251107/image-1762478793037.png"></figure>Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520"> Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords?</a>&nbsp;US special envoy Steve Witkoff had been hinting at expansion of Abraham Accords since July. Recently, at a business forum in Florida, Witkoff said &nbsp;that he would be returning to Washington for the announcement, without naming the country. Trump wants Abraham Accors - his foreign policy feather from first term to be a talk of the town in second term too. Reuters reported that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, both of which have close ties with Israel, have also been seen as potentially joining the Abraham Accords. The US also wants Saudi Arabia the join the accords and all eyes are set at Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's November 18 visit to the White House.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-daddy-trump-to-make-israel-friends-of-arab-nations-witkoff-says-big-announcement-about-abraham-accords-expected-what-is-it-1750929140839">Can Trump ease Israel's relations with Arab nations?</a><h2>What is Abraham Accords?</h2>Announced during the first term of Trump, the Abraham Accords is an agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the United States. In 2020, Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab countries to recognise Israel after Jordan in 1996. Later, Sudan and Morocco also established diplomatic relationships with Israel. Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who worked as his advisor to the President of the United States in his first term, was instrumental in the signing of this accord. Often referred to as an offwing of the Oslo Accords, the Abraham Accords were a part of Trump's peace plan that he announced in 2020. &nbsp;In the statement about the Abraham Accords, US said that the goal is to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue", "end radicalization and conflict", pursue a vision of peace, security, prosperity in the Middle East", and strengthen "peace based on mutual understanding and coexistence." It further said that the to achieve this goal, the US encourages expansion of "friendly relations" between Israel and its neighbours.

Donald Trump announced Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, normalizing ties with Israel. The largely symbolic move follows his call with PM Netanyahu and President Tokayev. The U.S. hopes it will revive the accords amid efforts to expand Middle East peace initiatives.

In a big announcement, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Nov 7) said that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords to have normalised relations with Israel. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that he held a call with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Trump also hinted at more countries joining the Abraham Accords soon. Earlier, Trump met with Tokayev alongside four other Central Asian leaders at the White House. However, the move is termed to be symbolic as Kazakhstan already has full diplomatic relations and economic ties with Israel, Reuters reported. "I just held a great call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of Israel, and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is the first Country of my Second Term to join the Abraham Accords, the first of many. This is a major step forward in building bridges across the World.," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Further he added in his post, “Today, more Nations are lining up to embrace Peace and Prosperity through my Abraham Accords. We will soon announce a Signing Ceremony to make it official, and there are many more Countries trying to join this club of STRENGTH.” Read More | Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords? US special envoy Steve Witkoff had been hinting at expansion of Abraham Accords since July. Recently, at a business forum in Florida, Witkoff said that he would be returning to Washington for the announcement, without naming the country. Trump wants Abraham Accors - his foreign policy feather from first term to be a talk of the town in second term too. Reuters reported that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, both of which have close ties with Israel, have also been seen as potentially joining the Abraham Accords. The US also wants Saudi Arabia the join the accords and all eyes are set at Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's November 18 visit to the White House. Read More | Can Trump ease Israel's relations with Arab nations? What is Abraham Accords? Announced during the first term of Trump, the Abraham Accords is an agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the United States. In 2020, Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab countries to recognise Israel after Jordan in 1996. Later, Sudan and Morocco also established diplomatic relationships with Israel. Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who worked as his advisor to the President of the United States in his first term, was instrumental in the signing of this accord. Often referred to as an offwing of the Oslo Accords, the Abraham Accords were a part of Trump's peace plan that he announced in 2020. In the statement about the Abraham Accords, US said that the goal is to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue", "end radicalization and conflict", pursue a vision of peace, security, prosperity in the Middle East", and strengthen "peace based on mutual understanding and coexistence." It further said that the to achieve this goal, the US encourages expansion of "friendly relations" between Israel and its neighbours.

Donald Trump announced Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, normalizing ties with Israel. The largely symbolic move follows his call with PM Netanyahu and President Tokayev. The U.S. hopes it will revive the accords amid efforts to expand Middle East peace initiatives.

'BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS': Trump announces expansion of Abraham Accords, says Kazakhstan will join it

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting sanctions on Syria. This comes after Israel said that it is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon. Earlier, Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had said that ‘big announcement is expected regarding the Abraham Accords. Previously, in April this year, Trump had met Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh and had urged the post-Assad regime to recognise Israel. He had also announced then that the US would lift the sanctions on Syria. So, is Syria on its way to normalising diplomatic relations with Israel?&nbsp;<h2>Israel hints at normalising ties</h2>Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a press conference on Monday, said that Israel is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon, but will not negotiate the fate of the Golan Heights in any peace agreement. Relations in the region were thrown into uncertainty by more than a year of fighting between Israel and Lebanon from late 2023, in parallel to the war in Gaza, and by the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Israeli leaders argue that with its rival Iran weakened by this month's 12-day war, other countries in the region have an opportunity to forge ties with Israel. "We have an interest in adding countries such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation, while safeguarding Israel's essential and security interests," Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem. Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 after capturing the territory from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. While most of the international community regards the Golan as occupied Syrian land, US President Donald Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over it during his first term in office. Following Assad's ousting, Israeli forces moved further into Syrian territory.<h2>Could Syria join Abraham Accords?</h2>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that the Trump administration is expecting Syria to be one of the next countries to join the Abraham Accords. "The president is certainly hopeful that more countries in the region will sign on to the Abraham Accords," Leavitt said."When the president [Trump] met with the new president of Syria [Ahmed al-Sharaa] that was one of the requests that [Trump] made; for Syria to sign on to the Abraham Accords," she added.&nbsp;Announced during the first term of Trump, the Abraham Accords is an agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the US. In 2020, Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab countries to recognise Israel after Jordan in 1996. Later, Sudan and Morocco also established diplomatic relationships with Israel. In the statement about the Abraham Accords, US said that the goal is to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue", "end radicalization and conflict", pursue a vision of peace, security, prosperity in the Middle East", and strengthen "peace based on mutual understanding and coexistence." It further said that the to achieve this goal, the US encourages expansion of "friendly relations" between Israel and its neighbours.&nbsp;<h2>Trump signs executive order&nbsp;</h2>Trump on Monday (June 30) signed an executive order terminating the sanctions program on Syria, and the White House said that it was done to support the country to rebuild after a devastating civil war. This would allow an end to the country's isolation from the international financial system. The move will also allow the US to maintain sanctions on Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, people linked to chemical weapons activities, the Islamic State and ISIS affiliates and proxies for Iran, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters in a briefing.&nbsp;The White House in a fact sheet said the order directs the Secretary of State to review the terrorism designations of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group that Sharaa led that has roots in al Qaeda, as well as Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. It also added that the Trump administration would continue to monitor Syria's progress on key priorities, including “taking concrete steps toward normalising ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, deporting Palestinian terrorists and banning Palestinian terrorist groups.”

Syria seems to be on its way to normalising diplomatic relations with Israel after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting Assad-era sanctions. However, questions about Golan Heights and regional alliances exists

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting sanctions on Syria. This comes after Israel said that it is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon. Earlier, Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had said that ‘big announcement is expected regarding the Abraham Accords. Previously, in April this year, Trump had met Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh and had urged the post-Assad regime to recognise Israel. He had also announced then that the US would lift the sanctions on Syria. So, is Syria on its way to normalising diplomatic relations with Israel? Israel hints at normalising ties Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in a press conference on Monday, said that Israel is interested in establishing official diplomatic ties with old foes Syria and Lebanon, but will not negotiate the fate of the Golan Heights in any peace agreement. Relations in the region were thrown into uncertainty by more than a year of fighting between Israel and Lebanon from late 2023, in parallel to the war in Gaza, and by the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Israeli leaders argue that with its rival Iran weakened by this month's 12-day war, other countries in the region have an opportunity to forge ties with Israel. "We have an interest in adding countries such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation, while safeguarding Israel's essential and security interests," Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem. Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 after capturing the territory from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. While most of the international community regards the Golan as occupied Syrian land, US President Donald Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over it during his first term in office. Following Assad's ousting, Israeli forces moved further into Syrian territory. Could Syria join Abraham Accords? White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that the Trump administration is expecting Syria to be one of the next countries to join the Abraham Accords. "The president is certainly hopeful that more countries in the region will sign on to the Abraham Accords," Leavitt said. "When the president [Trump] met with the new president of Syria [Ahmed al-Sharaa] that was one of the requests that [Trump] made; for Syria to sign on to the Abraham Accords," she added. Announced during the first term of Trump, the Abraham Accords is an agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the US. In 2020, Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab countries to recognise Israel after Jordan in 1996. Later, Sudan and Morocco also established diplomatic relationships with Israel. In the statement about the Abraham Accords, US said that the goal is to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue", "end radicalization and conflict", pursue a vision of peace, security, prosperity in the Middle East", and strengthen "peace based on mutual understanding and coexistence." It further said that the to achieve this goal, the US encourages expansion of "friendly relations" between Israel and its neighbours. Trump signs executive order Trump on Monday (June 30) signed an executive order terminating the sanctions program on Syria, and the White House said that it was done to support the country to rebuild after a devastating civil war. This would allow an end to the country's isolation from the international financial system. The move will also allow the US to maintain sanctions on Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, people linked to chemical weapons activities, the Islamic State and ISIS affiliates and proxies for Iran, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters in a briefing. The White House in a fact sheet said the order directs the Secretary of State to review the terrorism designations of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group that Sharaa led that has roots in al Qaeda, as well as Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. It also added that the Trump administration would continue to monitor Syria's progress on key priorities, including “taking concrete steps toward normalising ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, deporting Palestinian terrorists and banning Palestinian terrorist groups.”

Syria seems to be on its way to normalising diplomatic relations with Israel after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting Assad-era sanctions. However, questions about Golan Heights and regional alliances exists

Syria-Israel friendship after US lifts sanctions? Israeli foreign minister hints at expansion of Abraham Accords - here's what we know

US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff sparked conversation about the Trump administration's next big announcement by saying that additional countries will join the Abraham Accords. Witkoff also noted that he and his team are working in coordination with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department to "get more countries to come into the Abraham Accords. &nbsp;He made a similar prediction at an Israel Independence Day event last month. The Abraham Accords was Trump's first term's major achievement under the US' then Middle East man, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520">Jared Kushner</a>. It was even said that Trump's West Asia tour earlier this year was an attempt to expand the Accords, which Trump holds very dear, and even wanted a Nobel Peace Prize for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We think we will have big announcements on countries that are coming into the Abraham Accords,” he said in a CNBC interview.&nbsp; One of the President's key objectives is that the Abraham Accords be expanded," Witkoff added. "We are hoping for normalisation across an array of countries that people never would have contemplated would come in, so we are excited for that prospect; it will also be a stabiliser in the Middle East," he also said. Robert Greenway, known as the architect of the accords, said that he is optimistic about the upcoming developments.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, it was also hinted that Donald Trump had talks on the Abraham Accords during his West Asia tour earlier this year. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-middle-east-trip-us-president-saudi-arabia-qatar-uae-syria-iran-nuclear-deal-russia-ukraine-ahmed-al-sharaa-mbs-boeing-9076557">Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates</a> (UAE) became a game-changer as he met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, visited a mosque in Abu Dhabi and had several interactions with business leaders to religious leaders.&nbsp;<h2>What is Abraham Accords?</h2>Announced during the first term of Trump, the Abraham Accords is an agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the United States(US. In 2020, Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab countries to recognise Israel after Jordan in 1996. Later, Sudan and Morocco also established diplomatic relationships with Israel. Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who worked as his advisor to the President of the United States in his first term, was instrumental in the signing of this accord. Often referred to as an offwing of the Oslo Accords, the Abraham Accords were a part of Trump's peace plan that he announced in 2020. &nbsp;In the statement about the Abraham Accords, US said that the goal is to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue", "end radicalization and conflict", pursue a vision of peace, security, prosperity in the Middle East", and strengthen "peace based on mutual understanding and coexistence." It further said that the to achieve this goal, the US encourages expansion of "friendly relations" between Israel and its neighbours.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff says there may be a big announcement regarding the Abraham Accords. Can US President Donald Trump convince more West Asian countries to be friends with Israel?

US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff sparked conversation about the Trump administration's next big announcement by saying that additional countries will join the Abraham Accords. Witkoff also noted that he and his team are working in coordination with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department to "get more countries to come into the Abraham Accords. He made a similar prediction at an Israel Independence Day event last month. The Abraham Accords was Trump's first term's major achievement under the US' then Middle East man, Jared Kushner. It was even said that Trump's West Asia tour earlier this year was an attempt to expand the Accords, which Trump holds very dear, and even wanted a Nobel Peace Prize for it. “We think we will have big announcements on countries that are coming into the Abraham Accords,” he said in a CNBC interview. One of the President's key objectives is that the Abraham Accords be expanded," Witkoff added. "We are hoping for normalisation across an array of countries that people never would have contemplated would come in, so we are excited for that prospect; it will also be a stabiliser in the Middle East," he also said. Robert Greenway, known as the architect of the accords, said that he is optimistic about the upcoming developments. Earlier, it was also hinted that Donald Trump had talks on the Abraham Accords during his West Asia tour earlier this year. Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became a game-changer as he met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, visited a mosque in Abu Dhabi and had several interactions with business leaders to religious leaders. What is Abraham Accords? Announced during the first term of Trump, the Abraham Accords is an agreement under which diplomatic relationship is established between Israel and several Arab states, on the mediation of the United States(US. In 2020, Bahrain and the UAE became the first Arab countries to recognise Israel after Jordan in 1996. Later, Sudan and Morocco also established diplomatic relationships with Israel. Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who worked as his advisor to the President of the United States in his first term, was instrumental in the signing of this accord. Often referred to as an offwing of the Oslo Accords, the Abraham Accords were a part of Trump's peace plan that he announced in 2020. In the statement about the Abraham Accords, US said that the goal is to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue", "end radicalization and conflict", pursue a vision of peace, security, prosperity in the Middle East", and strengthen "peace based on mutual understanding and coexistence." It further said that the to achieve this goal, the US encourages expansion of "friendly relations" between Israel and its neighbours.

US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff says there may be a big announcement regarding the Abraham Accords. Can US President Donald Trump convince more West Asian countries to be friends with Israel?

Witkoff says 'big announcement about Abraham Accords' expected: Can Trump ease Israel's relations with Arab nations?

US President Donald Trump is on his way back to Washington DC after his&nbsp;three-nation&nbsp;Middle East tour. Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sealed several investment deals in what is being seen as a new era for the US-Middle East relationship. From meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh to visiting a mosque in Abu Dhabi to getting involved in the controversy of "gift diplomacy," Trump's Middle East trip showed his newfound affection for the region vis-a-vis business prospects as well as his aim to expand Abraham Accords and take credit similar to the one in his first term.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-meets-ahmed-al-sharaa-becomes-first-us-president-to-meet-syrian-leader-in-25-years-see-pics-9067927">Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics</a>
<h2>Top 6 points from his trip&nbsp;</h2>
1. Geopolitical shift for Syria: In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of Syria, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital Riyadh, shook hands with him and said, "young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter. He&rsquo;s got a real shot at pulling it together." The US president also announced the lifting of Assad-era sanctions on Syria and urged al-Sharaa to recognise Israel, intending to expand his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520" rel="dofollow">Abraham Accords.</a>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starlink-tesla-optimus-and-more-why-was-elon-musk-in-saudi-arabia-during-trumps-west-asia-visit-9067875">Starlink, Tesla robots and more: Here's why Elon Musk accompanied Trump in his Saudi Arabia visit</a>
2. Big deals announced: Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. He announced defence deals in Riyadh and said that the total investments from the three nations he visited could reach as high as $4 trillion. Qatar and the US agreed on a $1.2 trillion &ldquo;economic exchange&rdquo;; Saudi promised to invest $600 billion, and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the US. 
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-al-qaeda-terrorist-to-trumps-tough-attractive-guy-story-of-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-9073460">From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa</a>
3. Iran Nuclear Deal: Trump made sure to bring up the topic of nuclear negotiations with Iran on several occasions as he toured through the Middle East. While he slammed Iran by calling it the "biggest and most destructive force", he also said, "I have a feeling it&rsquo;s going to work out." Trump also praised Qatar and said that Iran is "very lucky" to have such an ally.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-afghanistan-bagram-air-base-canada-list-of-places-us-president-wants-to-take-over-9075480">Trump's obsession now reaches Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: List of places US president wants to take over</a>
4. Russia-Ukraine talks: As Trump toured the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine planned for talks in Turkey. Suspense over Russian president Vladimir Putin's presence in Istanbul continued till the last moment and his no-show became the biggest headline. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also cancelled his visit and talks were held between delegations of the two countries. Amid these developments, a confident Trump said, "And he wasn&rsquo;t gonna go &hellip; He wasn&rsquo;t going if I wasn&rsquo;t there. And I don&rsquo;t believe anything will happen, whether you like it or not until he and I get together. But we are gonna have to get it solved because too many people are dying."
5. Suffering in Gaza: Trump did not meet his biggest regional ally, Israel during this tour. In a rare acknowledgement of the sufferings in Gaza, Trump said, "There&rsquo;s a lot of people starving, a lot of bad things going on."
6. Grand welcome and bonhomie: From Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, Trump received a grand welcome and his bonhomie with the Gulf leaders was picture-perfect. In Riyadh, royal-purple-carpet was rolled out for the US president, and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the president on the tarmac. In Abu Dhabi, he received a traditional Emirati welcome including a hair-flip&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331" rel="dofollow">Al-Ayyala</a> dance and visited the Abrahamic Family House and mosque calling it all an "incredible culture." In Doha, Trump&rsquo;s motorcade from the airport was flanked by bright red Tesla,&nbsp;cybertrucks and riders on horseback.&nbsp;
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From stepping into a mosque to meeting Syria's president who had his past in al-Qaeda, from business deals to Abraham Accords, here are the top highlights of US President Donald Trump's Middle East tour. World

US President Donald Trump is on his way back to Washington DC after his three-nation Middle East tour. Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sealed several investment deals in what is being seen as a new era for the US-Middle East relationship. From meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh to visiting a mosque in Abu Dhabi to getting involved in the controversy of "gift diplomacy," Trump's Middle East trip showed his newfound affection for the region vis-a-vis business prospects as well as his aim to expand Abraham Accords and take credit similar to the one in his first term. Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics Top 6 points from his trip 1. Geopolitical shift for Syria: In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of Syria, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital Riyadh, shook hands with him and said, "young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter. He’s got a real shot at pulling it together." The US president also announced the lifting of Assad-era sanctions on Syria and urged al-Sharaa to recognise Israel, intending to expand his Abraham Accords. Read More | Starlink, Tesla robots and more: Here's why Elon Musk accompanied Trump in his Saudi Arabia visit 2. Big deals announced: Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. He announced defence deals in Riyadh and said that the total investments from the three nations he visited could reach as high as $4 trillion. Qatar and the US agreed on a $1.2 trillion “economic exchange”; Saudi promised to invest $600 billion, and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the US. Read More | From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa 3. Iran Nuclear Deal: Trump made sure to bring up the topic of nuclear negotiations with Iran on several occasions as he toured through the Middle East. While he slammed Iran by calling it the "biggest and most destructive force", he also said, "I have a feeling it’s going to work out." Trump also praised Qatar and said that Iran is "very lucky" to have such an ally. Read More | Trump's obsession now reaches Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: List of places US president wants to take over 4. Russia-Ukraine talks: As Trump toured the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine planned for talks in Turkey. Suspense over Russian president Vladimir Putin's presence in Istanbul continued till the last moment and his no-show became the biggest headline. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also cancelled his visit and talks were held between delegations of the two countries. Amid these developments, a confident Trump said, "And he wasn’t gonna go … He wasn’t going if I wasn’t there. And I don’t believe anything will happen, whether you like it or not until he and I get together. But we are gonna have to get it solved because too many people are dying." 5. Suffering in Gaza: Trump did not meet his biggest regional ally, Israel during this tour. In a rare acknowledgement of the sufferings in Gaza, Trump said, "There’s a lot of people starving, a lot of bad things going on." 6. Grand welcome and bonhomie: From Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, Trump received a grand welcome and his bonhomie with the Gulf leaders was picture-perfect. In Riyadh, royal-purple-carpet was rolled out for the US president, and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the president on the tarmac. In Abu Dhabi, he received a traditional Emirati welcome including a hair-flip Al-Ayyala dance and visited the Abrahamic Family House and mosque calling it all an "incredible culture." In Doha, Trump’s motorcade from the airport was flanked by bright red Tesla, cybertrucks and riders on horseback.

Can Trump's Middle East tour be geopolitical shift for US? Top 6 takeaways from US president's major trip

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has suspended coordination of humanitarian aid with Israel after an Israeli airstrike killed 7 aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza earlier this week. Will the normalisation of ties between Israel and Arab world survive the Gaza war? Is the future of the Abraham Accords at risk?

Gravitas | UAE Halts Bilateral Coordination of Aid With Israel | Future of Abraham Accords at Risk?

Israel-Palestine clashes took a new turn again. Unleashing a major raid on Jenin. This was Israel's biggest West Bank incursion in 20 years. The incident reignited Palestinian anger. The Jenin camp has long been a hotbed of militants with an array of weapons & explosives. The Israeli military regularly accuses militant groups of basing fighters within densely populated urban areas.

Why are Abraham Accord Arab states sticking with Israel despite Jenin violence?

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