Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Monday endorsed President Donald Trump’s initiative to broaden the Abraham Accords to include additional Arab and Muslim nations as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving U.S.-Iran tensions, labeling the proposal “simply brilliant.”
In a post on X, Graham stated that “with Saudi Arabia and others like Pakistan making peace with Israel, the region will know a level of stability never dreamed of before President Trump and will eventually lead to regional integration making the Middle East a powerhouse for economic opportunity and good instead of a powder keg.”
He added, “I expect our Arab allies to embrace this, as well as our friends in Israel, focusing on this task as failure is not an option.”
Trump had previously urged Gulf nations to join the Abraham Accords within broader negotiations concerning Iran. The Abraham Accords, brokered during Trump’s first term, normalized relations among Israel and several Arab nations including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Reports indicate that the U.S. and Iran are moving closer to a deal extending regional ceasefire agreements, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and potentially addressing Tehran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief.
Trump noted on Truth Social that “Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are proceeding nicely. It will only be a great deal for all or, no deal at all.”
The president also mentioned recently speaking with leaders from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates about the proposal. Trump emphasized that “after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these countries, at a minimum, simultaneously sign onto the Abraham Accords.”
He added that while some nations might decline participation, he stated most regional powers should support the agreement to ensure any settlement with Iran becomes “a far more historic event.”
Graham’s endorsement follows his recent warning against rushing into a deal with Iran that could ultimately strengthen its regime.
