Saudi Arabia Responds to Trump's Call for More Muslim Nations in Abraham Accords

Saudi Arabia has firmly rejected President Trump's call for more Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords, stating that normalization with Israel is contingent upon a clear path to Palestinian statehood. This response highlights the ongoing political sensitivities surrounding the recognition of Israel, especially amid the current tensions in Gaza. Trump's push for expansion of the accords is seen as part of his broader strategy to reshape Middle Eastern diplomacy and negotiate with Iran. However, critics argue that this approach fails to address the unresolved Palestinian issue, raising questions about the future of regional relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 01:14 IST

Saudi Arabia's Stance on Normalization with Israel

In response to President Donald Trump's suggestion for additional Muslim-majority countries to join the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia has firmly stated that any normalization with Israel hinges on establishing an "irreversible pathway" toward Palestinian statehood. A source from Saudi Arabia, as reported by various media outlets, emphasized that Riyadh's long-held position is that formal relations with Israel are contingent upon significant advancements in addressing the Palestinian issue. This statement follows Trump's public appeal for nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Pakistan to join the accords, which aim to enhance diplomatic relations amid ongoing negotiations with Iran.

Trump mentioned that he had discussions with leaders from these countries, as well as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which have already established ties with Israel through the accords initiated during his first term in 2020. He argued that expanding these agreements could foster a broader regional coalition if a deal with Iran is reached.

However, Pakistan has dismissed the proposal, asserting that the negotiations with Iran and the Abraham Accords are unrelated and should not be connected. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has yet to respond to Trump's comments. Saudi Arabia's position highlights the delicate nature of recognizing Israel, especially given the ongoing outrage in the Muslim community regarding the situation in Gaza. Riyadh has consistently maintained that it will not pursue normalization without a clear plan for Palestinian statehood.

Trump's Motivation for Expanding the Abraham Accords

Trump's initiative to broaden the Abraham Accords seems to be linked to his larger strategy of negotiating with Iran and redefining diplomatic relations in the Middle East. He has characterized this effort as part of a mission to "piece together this very complex puzzle." Supporters, including Senator Lindsey Graham, argue that connecting an agreement with Iran to the expansion of Arab-Israeli normalization could lead to enhanced regional integration and economic collaboration. Conversely, critics contend that this approach neglects the unresolved issues surrounding Palestine. Regional analyst Rashid Al-Mohanadi pointed out that while the Abraham Accords focused on bilateral relations between Israel and Gulf nations, they did not address the critical matter of Palestinian statehood. He remarked that although the accords aimed to prevent annexation in the West Bank, the reality on the ground indicates ongoing annexation.