Trump Envoy Predicts Expansion of Abraham Accords, Eyes Comprehensive Peace Deal with Iran
by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced Wednesday that major developments are on the horizon for the Abraham Accords, including the addition of new member nations and the potential for a historic peace agreement with Iran.
In an interview with CNBC, Witkoff stated that the Trump administration is preparing for “big announcements” regarding new countries joining the accords. These accords, first signed in 2020 under President Donald Trump, normalized diplomatic ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
“One of the President’s key objectives is that the Abraham Accords be expanded,” Witkoff said. “We are working in coordination with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to get more countries to come into the accords. It’s going to be a stabilizer in the Middle East.”
President Trump recently voiced his desire for Saudi Arabia to join, calling it his “fervent hope, wish, and even dream,” while also personally lobbying Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during a regional summit in Riyadh. Qatar and Abu Dhabi are reportedly mediating early-stage discussions between Israel and Syria–two countries with no formal diplomatic ties.
Witkoff hinted that normalization might extend to nations “people would never have contemplated coming in before,” further reinforcing Trump’s assertion in April that the Abraham Accords “will be filled up” with new members in the near future. Secretary of State Rubio echoed those sentiments last month, telling Congress he expects “good news” on the expansion before the end of the year.
U.S. Pushes for Peace Agreement with Iran
In the wake of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran–ended by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire earlier this week–Witkoff said he is now “hopeful for a comprehensive peace agreement” with Tehran.
Speaking to CNBC and Fox News, Witkoff declared that nuclear enrichment and especially weaponization remain “red lines” for the United States, but that conversations are underway with Iranian interlocutors.
“I think they’re ready. That’s my strong sense,” he said, suggesting a willingness within Iran’s leadership to engage in talks about rebuilding a civil nuclear program “that is non-enrichable” and closely monitored.
Witkoff disputed claims by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency that the recent Israeli and U.S. strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear progress by months. “All the different sources by which you might get to a weapon have been eradicated,” he asserted, pointing to the widespread destruction at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities as shown in recent satellite imagery.
President Trump confirmed that U.S. and Iranian negotiators will meet next week. “There’s no need to focus on the nuclear program–it’s been destroyed,” Trump said.
A ‘Renaissance’ in the Region
Witkoff characterized the potential deal with Iran not merely as a nuclear accord, but a full peace agreement with transformative potential. “A peace agreement with Iran will bring a renaissance for the region,” he said, adding it could even inspire peace efforts in other global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.
Such remarks come amid heightened tensions and devastating losses. During the recent war, Iran launched more than 1,500 missiles and drones at Israel, killing 28 and injuring thousands. In retaliation, Israel–backed by U.S. airstrikes–crippled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and assassinated senior nuclear scientists and IRGC commanders.
Despite Iran’s history of obstruction and defiance, Witkoff believes there is a shift in posture. “The Iranians accept that weaponization is off the table,” he said. “Now the conversation is about building something better–and keeping the region safe.”
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