May 6, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump’s senior advisor and Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced that the administration expects to make “many announcements related to the expansion of the Abraham Accords” in the near future. The statement came during his address at the main reception marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day at the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC on Monday.
Witkoff’s remarks arrive just days before President Trump’s scheduled diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar next week, suggesting potential breakthroughs in regional peace efforts.
In his speech at the reception, Witkoff made the administration’s position clear: “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.”
Speaking with reporters afterward, he revealed there had been progress in the nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. “I hope we’re moving in the right direction,” Witkoff stated. “The President has stated his desire to resolve this issue diplomatically if possible, and we are working toward an agreement. Efforts are now underway to coordinate a fourth round of talks.”
The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and represents a continuation of the Trump administration’s firm approach to preventing Iranian nuclear capabilities.
Witkoff expressed optimism regarding negotiations for a hostage deal, noting that he maintains frequent—”almost daily”—contact with the mediators from Egypt and Qatar, as well as with Israeli officials.
“Our celebration is bittersweet because 59 hostages are still being held by Hamas,” Witkoff said. He shared a personal moment, recalling, “I remember when the female soldiers were released, and I sang ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ with them. I thought that was the most emotional moment of my life.”
Speaking on behalf of President Trump, he added, “We are working and hoping that next Independence Day will not just be a wish for joy but a joyful reality.”
Witkoff concluded his address with a message emphasizing the importance of Israeli unity during challenging times.
“I call on Israelis to choose unity over division, vision over discord. When that becomes the choice, Israel’s future will be bright,” he said.
His comments reflect the administration’s view that internal cohesion will strengthen Israel’s position in ongoing regional conflicts and peace negotiations.
Ambassador Celebrates Israel as “A Miracle”
Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Michael (Yechiel) Leiter, also addressed attendees at the Independence Day reception.
“The State of Israel is a miracle,” Ambassador Leiter remarked. “After more than two thousand years, not only have we returned to our historic homeland and established a strong, sovereign state—not only have we regained the ability to defend ourselves—but in this war, alongside the United States, Israel stands at the forefront of the global fight against evil.”
The ambassador expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We now have a historic opportunity to reshape the Middle East and bring greater stability and security to the entire world.”
The Abraham Accords, first established in 2020 during Trump’s first administration, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
Analysts believe that Saudi Arabia could be the next significant addition to this framework, which would represent a major diplomatic achievement for the Trump administration and potentially transform the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
President Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia has fueled speculation about potential breakthroughs in diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which would mark a historic shift in regional dynamics.
For more information on U.S.-Middle East relations, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
For updates on Israel’s diplomatic initiatives, visit the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
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