In a dramatic revelation at a London book launch event, former Mossad director Yossi Cohen announced that Saudi Arabia is prepared to sign the Abraham Accords following the conclusion of the Gaza war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has suggested that even Iran could potentially join the historic peace framework, signaling an unprecedented expansion of Middle East normalization.
The Abraham Accords (2020)
The Abraham Accords are a series of normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations, brokered during Trump’s first presidential term.
United Arab Emirates
Bahrain
Morocco
Sudan
Cohen’s Revelation on Saudi Arabia
Yossi Cohen
Former Mossad Director (2016-2021), Key Abraham Accords Negotiator
“Saudi Arabia is looking for something from America before signing an agreement with us.”
Speaking at a north London synagogue to launch his book “The Sword of Freedom” (published by Broadside Books), Cohen—who was instrumental in negotiating the original 2020 Abraham Accords—indicated that the Kingdom’s participation hinges on securing specific commitments from the United States.
Cohen’s Additional Concerns
The former intelligence chief criticized the UK for “forgetting” terror plots on British soil foiled by Mossad and for deciding to recognize a Palestinian state, which he argued leaves Israel vulnerable to further attacks.
Trump’s Vision: Iran in the Accords?
Historic White House Press Conference
At a Monday press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump floated an extraordinary possibility:
President Donald Trump
“Who knows, maybe even Iran can get in there. I think they’re going to be open to it. I really believe that. But they could be a member.”
President Trump
“We expect, we hope, that we’re going to get along with Iran. I think they’re going to be open to it.”
Trump’s Key Statements at the White House
🤝
Netanyahu Meeting
Trump and Netanyahu had a “long, strong talk” with Netanyahu understanding that “it’s time” for peace.
🌍
Expanded Accords
Trump predicts the accords will be expanded and “packed” with additional nations joining the agreement.
💪
Respect Through Strength
“Many countries have gained respect for Israel for the way they fight,” Trump stated, adding he too has more respect for that reason.
✅
Peace Benefits
“Those who make peace with Israel thrive,” while “those who try to destroy Israel haven’t done well,” Trump observed.
🏛️
Israel’s Permanence
“Israel is not going anywhere,” Trump declared, adding they will coexist with Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
🏆
Historical Achievements
Trump listed his achievements that make him “Israel’s best friend ever in the White House,” continuing to criticize Biden as “clueless.”
Trump’s Critique of Palestinian State Recognition
President Trump criticized leaders who have “foolishly recognized a Palestinian state,” though he characterized them as “good people” who are “really tired of what’s been going on for so many decades.”
President Trump
“Let’s not forget how we got here. Hamas was elected by the Palestinian people. Israel withdrew from Gaza, thinking they would live in peace. They say, you take it, this is our contribution to peace, but that didn’t work out. It was the opposite of peace.”
Trump added a business perspective: “As a real estate person, they gave up the ocean. I said, who would do this deal.”
Regional Implications
The potential expansion of the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia—and the suggestion of eventual Iranian participation—represents a dramatic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Saudi Arabia’s involvement would be particularly significant given the Kingdom’s status as the birthplace of Islam and custodian of its two holiest sites.
📍
Saudi Arabia’s Position
The Kingdom seeks certain guarantees from the US before normalizing relations with Israel, according to Cohen.
🔄
Post-Gaza Timeline
Cohen indicates Saudi signing would occur after the conclusion of the Gaza war.
🎯
Iran Question
Trump’s suggestion of Iranian participation, while speculative, signals ambitious diplomatic goals.
