The Abraham Accords, brokered during Trump’s first term, led to normalization deals between Israel and four Muslim-majority countries. Efforts to expand the framework have since faltered amid the devastating war in Gaza, where local authorities report more than 60,000 deaths due to Israeli bombardment and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The toll has sparked widespread outrage, prompting countries such as Canada, France, and the UK to announce plans to recognize an independent Palestinian state.

Despite this backdrop, Trump emphasized that broader Arab participation in the accords remains a key goal. Diplomats familiar with the initiative say the administration is actively discussing entry with nations such as Azerbaijan and several Central Asian republics, hoping to build momentum for postwar alignment with Israel.

Regional Realignment Amid Global Shifts

The U.S. strategy, according to sources, involves balancing punitive actions against adversaries—such as sanctions on Iran—with diplomatic incentives for potential partners. Trump’s comments appear timed to revive momentum around the Abraham Accords as a cornerstone of his Middle East policy.

Analysts note that Trump’s statement reframes the conflict by highlighting Iranian nuclear disarmament as a turning point. However, critics argue that continued Israeli military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian toll make normalization politically risky for many Arab governments.

As the U.S. administration continues its regional outreach, observers are watching closely to see whether any new signatories emerge amid deepening geopolitical fault lines in the Middle East.