Donald Trump has called on Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan to join the Abraham Accords as he seeks to negotiate an end to his war with Iran. The US president, who brokered the original accords during his first term, aims to expand the agreements to include more nations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he is "mandatorily requesting that all countries immediately sign the Abraham Accords," adding that if Iran signs its agreement with him, it would be an honor to include them in this "unparalleled World Coalition." He spoke on Saturday with leaders of the aforementioned countries, as well as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which are already signatories.
What Are the Abraham Accords?
The Abraham Accords are a series of diplomatic and commercial agreements forged with US influence between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco in 2020. They normalize relations and promote economic cooperation.
A permanent agreement in Gaza could help pave the way for talks with other majority-Muslim countries, expanding the circle of peace.
The Religious Significance of Abraham
The term "Abraham" carries profound religious and cultural weight, invoking a biblical patriarch revered across Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. These three faiths represent over half the world's population. Abraham, known as Ibrahim to Muslims, is often used to bridge interfaith divides, serving as a common link. However, this shared legacy can also become a source of discord, as some groups claim to be his sole legitimate heirs.
Bruce Feiler, author of "Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths," noted: "Everybody has tried to claim Abraham as their own, but in fact Abraham belongs to everybody." He added that the story belongs to all, and the legacy must be shared.
Abraham in Scripture
Abraham first appears in the Book of Genesis as a childless elderly man whom God promises will father a great nation. He travels to present-day Israel and Palestinian lands. Abraham has a son, Ishmael, with Hagar, and later Isaac with Sarah. In a pivotal story, God orders Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, but an angel stops him. Isaac and his son Jacob become ancestors of the Jews. Christianity sees Abraham as an exemplar of faith. Islam places Ismail (Ishmael) at the center of the binding story, honoring him as an ancestor of Muhammad.
A Unifying and Dividing Figure
Each monotheistic religion has claimed to be the true heir of Abraham, leading to historical conflicts. Yet, he is also invoked for peace efforts, such as the accords between the Jewish state of Israel and Muslim-majority Arab states. The term "Abrahamic faiths" promotes interfaith dialogue. The UAE hosts an Abrahamic Family House with a church, mosque, and synagogue.
Trump emphasized the Jewish tradition during his Knesset speech, thanking the "God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" and calling the agreements the "Avraham Accords." He also praised Arab and Muslim leaders involved.
This effort comes amid sharpening religious divisions, including a surge in antisemitism and anti-Muslim sentiment. Feiler noted that the story of Abraham, his two sons, and their mothers is one of tensions and rivalries, reminding us that we must live alongside one another.
