Trump is pushing Muslim nations to normalise ties with Israel after Iran war
US officials said leaders from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, were surprised
US President Donald Trump is pushing leaders of several Arab and Muslim-majority countries to join the Abraham Accords and normalise relations with Israel if a deal to end the Iran war is reached.
According to Axios, citing US officials familiar with the call, the discussion reportedly took place during a conference call on Saturday with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain.
According to US officials cited in the report, Trump said he hoped Israel would eventually be included in similar regional talks and pushed for broader diplomatic recognition of the Jewish state.
“They all said we are with you on this deal. And if it doesn't work we will be with you too,” a US official said.
Officials said leaders from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, were surprised by Trump’s request.
“There was silence on the line and Trump joked and asked if they are still there,” one US official said.
Trump later wrote on Truth Social: “I would like to thank, thus far, all of the countries of the Middle East for their support and cooperation, which will be further enhanced and strengthened by their joining the Nations of the historic Abraham Accords.”
Saudi Arabia has previously indicated openness to normalising ties with Israel, but officials continue to insist on progress towards a Palestinian state before any agreement can move forward.
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