Trump links Iran ceasefire talks to Abraham Accords

President Donald Trump has linked a potential deal to end the ongoing war with Iran to a demand that several Muslim-majority countries join the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic framework normalizing relations with Israel. The proposal has been met with widespread silence and resistance from the nations named.

In a series of statements beginning May 24, Trump called on Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan to simultaneously sign the accords. He later suggested that Washington might not proceed with an Iran agreement unless more countries joined, stating that some nations "owe that to us." The demand was reportedly reiterated during a May 28 phone call with leaders from those countries and others, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which are already signatories.

The response from the targeted governments has been minimal or negative. Officials and analysts describe the proposal as sudden and unworkable, with several countries viewing it as an unhelpful complication to delicate ceasefire negotiations. Pakistan, which has been involved in mediating talks, publicly rejected the demand. A senior Pakistani official stated the country is under no compulsion...