Trump Pushes Abraham Accords Expansion: Suggests Iran Could Join Peace Deal Linking Israel and Muslim Nations

International News:  In a White House press conference, Trump said that Iran could also become a part of the Abraham Accords. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was also present with him. Trump claimed that the situation is changing. He said, "Who knows, maybe Iran will also join." He called it a new hope for peace. This statement caused a stir in the region. The Abraham Accords were signed in 2020. This was a major achievement of Trump's first term. Under this, Israel and Arab countries normalized relations. UAE and Bahrain joined first. Later, Morocco and Sudan also joined. Such a big step was taken after 25 years. This was considered a historic turning point.

Previously, Arab countries had been reluctant to recognize Israel, conditional on Palestine's statehood. However, the Abraham Accords broke this tradition. These countries initiated direct diplomacy with Israel. This transformed Middle Eastern politics. This move was considered a major victory for Washington and Jerusalem.

Financial benefits in relationships

The agreement between Israel and the UAE proved to be the most significant. This oil and trade hub signed numerous agreements with Israel, including defense technology and free trade agreements. Security cooperation between the two countries increased, and trade and investment boomed. It was hailed as the beginning of a new era.

Palestinians' strong resentment

Palestinian leaders opposed the agreement from the outset, calling it a betrayal. They argued that Arab countries ignored Palestine's demand for statehood. This broke their trust. Israel continued to expand settlements, which was seen as a setback to the peace process.

Challenges and controversies remain

The UAE had warned Israel that expanding its occupation of the West Bank was a "red line." Israeli ministers' statements further escalated tensions, further weakening the spirit of the agreement. Arab countries warned that such a move would worsen relations, raising questions about the agreement's sustainability.

The future is getting more difficult

The Hamas attack in October 2023 and the Gaza War changed the situation. Thousands of Palestinians were killed. Arab countries were enraged. Their relations with Israel are strained. The US is trying to salvage the agreement. But Saudi Arabia still insists that talks will proceed only if Palestine is granted statehood.