U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed an ambitious expansion of the Abraham Accords, declaring that key Arab and regional powers should be required to join the normalization framework with Israel as part of a broader geopolitical settlement involving Iran. The proposal, unveiled through a lengthy post on Truth Social, also unexpectedly floated the possibility of Iran itself joining the agreement if ongoing negotiations with Washington progress successfully.
The dramatic proposal underscores Trump’s continuing efforts to position himself as a global dealmaker while reshaping alliances in the Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic uncertainty.
Trump Calls Abraham Accords ‘Mandatory’
In a statement posted Monday, Trump said discussions with Tehran over a possible agreement were “proceeding nicely,” before shifting focus to a broader regional framework centered on the Abraham Accords.
The accords, first brokered during Trump’s previous administration in 2020, established diplomatic normalization between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, later expanding to include Morocco and Sudan.
Trump argued that more countries should now join the agreement, calling participation effectively “mandatory” for nations seeking inclusion in any future peace arrangement involving Iran.
According to Trump, countries discussed in the proposed expansion include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, alongside already participating members such as the UAE and Bahrain.
“It should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit,” Trump wrote, adding that countries refusing to participate “should not be part of this deal” because it could indicate “bad intention.”
Surprise Offer to Iran
Perhaps the most unexpected element of Trump’s proposal was his suggestion that the Iran itself could become part of the Abraham Accords if it reaches a diplomatic agreement with Washington.
Trump claimed several regional leaders he had recently spoken to would welcome Tehran into the framework after a successful deal.
“If Iran signs its agreement with me… it would be an honor to have them also be part of this unparalleled world coalition,” Trump stated, envisioning a united and economically powerful Middle East.
The suggestion has raised eyebrows among diplomatic observers given Iran’s longstanding opposition to Israel and decades of hostility between Tehran and Washington. Iran does not recognize Israel and has historically opposed normalization efforts involving Arab states.
The proposal also marks a notable rhetorical shift from Trump’s earlier hardline language toward Iran. In recent weeks, he had issued sharp warnings against Tehran, including threats of overwhelming military action if diplomacy failed.
Regional Challenges and Political Realities
Despite the boldness of Trump’s vision, analysts say the proposal faces major geopolitical hurdles.
Saudi Arabia has previously shown openness to normalizing relations with Israel but has repeatedly emphasized that progress on Palestinian statehood remains essential. Qatar and Türkiye have maintained more complicated relationships with Israel, while Pakistan has historically refrained from recognizing the Israeli state.
Iran’s inclusion appears especially difficult to envision given ideological divisions, regional rivalries, and longstanding security disputes.
Critics argue that compelling countries with sharply divergent foreign policies into a unified regional alignment may prove politically unrealistic.
However, supporters of Trump’s strategy argue that expanding the Abraham Accords could reshape Middle Eastern diplomacy and reduce long-term instability through deeper economic cooperation and regional integration.
Lindsey Graham Backs Proposal
Among Trump allies, the proposal received immediate praise from senior U.S. lawmakers.
Lindsey Graham described the initiative as “brilliant,” arguing that an expanded Abraham Accords framework tied to an Iran settlement could fundamentally transform the Middle East.
Graham said such a deal involving Saudi Arabia and regional powers would amount to one of the most significant geopolitical shifts in centuries.
A High-Stakes Diplomatic Gamble
Trump’s proposal reflects an effort to simultaneously address regional security concerns, Iran negotiations, and Arab-Israeli normalization through one sweeping diplomatic initiative.
Yet major questions remain over whether Washington can persuade countries with competing strategic interests to sign onto a common framework — especially one that could eventually include Iran alongside Israel.
For now, the proposal remains aspirational, but it signals Trump’s intent to pursue an expansive Middle East realignment strategy if negotiations continue moving forward.
As diplomatic talks with Tehran reportedly progress, global attention will remain fixed on whether this vision evolves into a concrete geopolitical roadmap or remains an ambitious political statement aimed at reshaping the region’s future.
