US Pressure to Link Iran Deal to Expanded Normalization: Gulf States Wary of 'Abraham Accords'

International press reports have revealed a new direction for the American administration that directly links the path of de-escalation with Iran to the expansion of normalization in the region. Sources reported that President Donald Trump surprised his allies by demanding that Arab and Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, and Turkey, immediately join the Abraham Accords as a complementary condition for any future nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Observers believe that this American proposal was met with great coolness and skepticism in the capitals of the Gulf states, where it is seen as a step that could increase regional tension. These countries fear that engaging in overt normalization with Israel at this time could alienate Iran, which has proven its ability to direct precise missile and drone strikes that have targeted vital facilities in the region.

In a phone call on May 23rd, Trump stressed to the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, and Turkey that signing peace agreements with Israel is a duty to ensure regional stability. Trump considered that countries that refuse this step might be accused of bad faith, emphasizing that this path is one of the most prominent achievements of his foreign policy that he seeks to complete.

Despite Trump's announcement of a ceasefire last April, negotiations with Tehran still face complex technical and political obstacles. Washington stipulates preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons and surrendering its enriched uranium stockpile, demands that have not received final Iranian approval to date, making their linkage to the normalization file an issue that further complicates the scene.

For its part, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains committed to its traditional position that links any step towards Israel to a clear political path leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Analysts believe that Riyadh is not prepared to make free concessions on this file, especially in light of the escalating Arab popular anger due to ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

As for the State of Qatar, which plays the main mediator role between Israel and Hamas, it has clearly affirmed its intention not to join the Abraham Accords at the current stage. Qatari sources stated that any communication with the Israeli side aims exclusively to serve the Palestinian cause and end the war, stressing that the priority is to achieve stability and protect the rights of the Palestinian people.

In Kuwait, the official and popular position remains firm on rejecting any form of normalization with the Israeli occupation, with full commitment to boycott laws. Kuwaiti official bodies did not respond to requests for comment on Trump's recent statements, reflecting the continuation of traditional Kuwaiti policy that considers normalization a red line that cannot be crossed.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading intensive diplomatic efforts in the region to persuade Arab leaders of the utility of joining the agreements. Trump emphasizes in his closed meetings that these countries 'owe' the United States to take this step, considering that integrating Israel into the regional fabric will bring economic and security benefits to all.

Sources indicate that the current regional climate is completely different from what it was after the 1991 Gulf War, when Washington succeeded in launching the Madrid Peace Conference. Today, the region suffers from sharp polarization, and Arab peoples view Israel as a destabilizing force, making any political rapprochement an uncalculated risk for ruling regimes.

Experts in Middle East affairs warn that US pressure could lead to counterproductive results, as Gulf states feel disappointed by the level of security protection provided by Washington. There is a growing feeling that the United States shows more enthusiasm for protecting Israel's security than it does for protecting its Arab allies from direct regional threats.

On the ground, reciprocal attacks between Iran and US bases have caused severe damage to civilian infrastructure in several Gulf countries. These developments have made it difficult for Arab leaders to justify any security or political alliance with Israel to their peoples, who daily witness the extent of destruction in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a recent media interview, Trump described Iranian negotiators as 'brilliant,' indicating that he is not in a hurry to reach an agreement that does not guarantee all American and Israeli interests. This statement reflects Trump's desire to use the time factor to pressure all parties, whether in Tehran or in hesitant Arab capitals.

Former diplomats believe that the countries of the region have become accustomed to Trump's style of managing foreign policy through surprising statements and direct pressure. However, they expect these countries to adopt a policy of 'wait and see' until the current political storms subside, avoiding making any strategic decisions that could destabilize their internal stability.

In conclusion, the normalization file remains suspended between the American desire to achieve a major diplomatic breakthrough and the complex regional reality imposed by war and geopolitical shifts. While Trump insists on linking the files, fundamental issues, foremost among them the rights of the Palestinian people, remain the biggest obstacle to Washington's ambitions to formulate a 'new Middle East' according to its vision.

Trump informed regional leaders that their joining the Abraham Accords must be mandatory as part of the ongoing Iranian nuclear deal negotiations.