Why Saudi Arabia is still resisting Trump's pressure to join Abraham Accords - analysis

Renewed speculation about Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords has surfaced, often tied to ongoing U.S. negotiations concerning Iran. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that regional allies joining the Accords as part of an Iran deal resolution would be a "transformative" and "brilliant move."

However, this optimism is met with skepticism in the region. The idea of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan joining the Accords has been a recurring theme since the initial agreements were signed in 2020. While some countries with existing ties to Israel have moved closer, securing new agreements, particularly with Saudi Arabia, has proven difficult.

Saudi Arabia has maintained a consistent position: any move towards normalization with Israel must be contingent on Israel shifting its stance on Palestinian rights and statehood. Riyadh has long supported an Arab peace initiative that calls for a two-state solution. This demand has been met with perceived inflexibility from Israel's ruling coalition, particularly after the election of a more right-leaning government in 2022 and the subsequent October 7th conflict.

Despite frequent media reports suggesting Saudi Arabia "might" join the Accords, these have often faded without concrete developments. The article suggests that this phenomenon has not been "grounded in reality," as Saudi Arabia's core demands regarding the Palestinian issue remain unaddressed. The ongoing conflict has further complicated prospects for regional integration through the Abraham Accords.

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if, in fact, as a result of these negotiations to end the Iranian conflict, our Arab and Muslim allies in the region agreed to join the Abraham Accords, it would make this agreement one of the most consequential in the history of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan joining the Abraham Accords would be beyond transformative for the region and world. It is a brilliant move by President Trump.