US Envoy Hints at New Nations Joining Abraham Accords
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism on Wednesday that more countries could soon join the Abraham Accords — a historic agreement that normalized relations between Israel and several Muslim nations.
Speaking to CNBC following a recently brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Witkoff said he was hopeful the region was moving closer to broader peace and stability.
'We believe some significant announcements are coming,' Witkoff said. 'Countries that many never expected to be part of the Abraham Accords are now seriously considering it. That's a key goal for President Trump, and we're working hard to make it happen.'
Witkoff played a vital role in the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict that ended Tuesday with a U.S.-mediated ceasefire. He added that the White House is now shifting focus toward building lasting diplomatic ties and possibly even a comprehensive peace agreement with Iran.
'We're hoping to see normalization spread — not just among the usual partners, but across a wider group,' he noted. 'That kind of cooperation can be a real stabilizer for the region.'
The Abraham Accords were originally signed in September 2020 during President Trump's first term, establishing diplomatic ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and later Morocco, Sudan. The agreement was seen as a landmark moment in Middle East diplomacy.
Both Witkoff and Trump have regularly voiced their belief that the agreement can expand to include more nations. Just last month, at an event marking Israel's Independence Day, Witkoff said he expected 'a lot of announcements very, very shortly,' signaling further diplomatic breakthroughs in the near future.
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