Trump demands Arab countries normalize ties with Israel after Iran deal talks
President Trump called leaders of Arab and Muslim countries Saturday, demanding those without diplomatic relations with Israel establish them amid US-Iran peace negotiations. According to Axios, Trump told Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan - the only three countries on the call without Israel ties - to sign peace agreements once the Iran war ends.
The US and Iran are 'largely negotiating' a deal that should be finalized in coming days, Trump said. This represents an attempt to expand the Abraham Accords framework to more Muslim-majority countries. However, the call fell silent after Trump's demands, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar insisting on Palestinian statehood before any normalization.
Israel's attack on Gaza has complicated months of diplomatic progress. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the kingdom's position that ties with Israel require an independent Palestinian state along 1967 borders. US Senator Lindsey Graham praised Trump's approach as 'brilliant,' warning of 'severe repercussions' if Arab leaders refuse this path.