President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about expanding the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states, by incorporating additional nations like Syria and Lebanon following recent Middle East tensions, including the so-called ’12-Day War’ between Israel and Iran.
During an exclusive interview with Maria Bartiromo, Trump highlighted the significance of the Accords and his administration’s efforts to ‘load them up’ with new members. He emphasized that Iran’s actions have been a primary concern, and the recent developments have positioned the U.S. to take decisive steps in the region. US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed that expanding the Accords is a key objective for the administration, with the expectation of significant announcements regarding new signatories.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Syria is among the nations the president is keen to include, citing historic meetings in Saudi Arabia as a catalyst for the potential inclusion. Israel’s National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi noted that Syria and Lebanon are the most viable candidates for joining the Accords, reflecting a broader strategy to secure regional stability. Middle East expert Eugene Kontorovich added that Syria could be a realistic addition due to its potential gains from aligning with Israel, suggesting that the country could make peace with Israel and join the Accords during Trump’s term.
Trump also mentioned the lifting of sanctions on Syria at the request of regional allies, indicating a shift in U.S. policy toward the region. The move underscores the administration’s focus on diplomatic engagement and economic incentives to encourage new members. As the Abraham Accords continue to evolve, the potential inclusion of Syria and Lebanon signals a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, with implications for regional security and international relations.