Trump Envisions Saudi Arabia Joining Abraham Accords, Others Skeptical

In a recent interview, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Saudi Arabia would soon join the Abraham Accords and establish formal relations with Israel. This perspective, however, contrasts sharply with the views expressed at a recent Middle East conference, where officials from Lebanon and Syria indicated significant obstacles remain for their nations to consider normalization with Israel.

Trump’s Confidence and the Reality in the Region

During an interview on the program 60 Minutes, Trump highlighted his personal rapport with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, suggesting that the kingdom’s entry into the accords is inevitable, potentially independent of a two-state solution for the Palestinians. Trump remarked, “I think we will have a solution. I don’t know if it’s gonna be two-state. That’s gonna be up to Israel and other people, and me.” He emphasized that any deal would not have been possible had Iran acquired nuclear capabilities, stating, “But look, the main thing is you could’ve never had any kind of a deal if you had a nuclear Iran.” Despite Trump’s assertions, Saudi officials have not publicly commented on his predictions.

Trump’s recent comments follow a broader appeal from senior U.S. officials during the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, reinforced the administration’s hopes for the expansion of the Abraham Accords, asserting that their growth would foster lasting regional stability and peace. Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Lebanon and Syria, also called on regional nations to align with Israel, urging Lebanon to engage in direct talks.

Challenges for Lebanon and Syria

Despite the optimism from U.S. officials, representatives from Lebanon and Syria conveyed a more cautious outlook. During the conference, Ahmad Al-Hajjar, Lebanon’s Minister of Interior, addressed the complexities surrounding normalization. He highlighted that current Lebanese law prohibits citizens from engaging with Israelis, underscoring a significant barrier to any discussions regarding the Abraham Accords.

Syria’s situation is similarly complex. Following the ousting of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad, the new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has hinted at the possibility of a security arrangement with Israel. However, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Syria’s Foreign Minister, made it clear that discussions about the accords remain distant. He criticized Israel’s military actions in Syria, stating, “With regards to the [Abraham Accords] with Israel, this is something that has not been discussed.” Al-Shaibani referenced ongoing Israeli strikes and emphasized the need for a security agreement that respects Syria’s sovereignty.

The backdrop of these discussions is marked by the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syria and Israel, which aims to prevent military actions between the two nations. As the region looks ahead, the potential visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House later this month could provide further insights into the future of the Abraham Accords and Saudi Arabia’s role within them.