Since reports emerged of a potential deal with Iran, pro-Israel voices in the United States have cautioned President Donald Trump against signing any agreement. Hawks, including several prominent senators, have opposed any deal that does not remove or at least severely weaken Iran’s political leadership and dismantle its military capabilities.
But after Trump raised the prospect of expanding Arab-Israel normalization as part of the accord, some critics softened their tone. Senator Lindsey Graham, a war hawk, initially called ending the conflict to reopen the Strait of Hormuz a 'nightmare' for Israel. Yet just two days later, he praised Trump’s diplomatic move as 'brilliant,' emphasizing that normalization would lead to regional integration and turn the Middle East into 'an economic powerhouse.'
On May 25, Trump wrote on Truth Social that nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan 'should be required' to establish diplomatic relations with Israel and sign the Abraham Accords. He also mentioned Turkey and Egypt, though both countries already have diplomatic ties with Israel. However, no nation has yet responded to the call. Many countries have previously refused normalization with Israel, especially after the Gaza war.
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly affirmed its support for the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for Israel to recognize a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Expert Dania Thafer of the Gulf International Forum noted that Gulf nations are not 'interested' in normalization at this stage, as they do not want to 'tip the balance toward a regional order led by Israel.' She argued the move could undermine a deal with Iran if Trump insists on including it.
Meanwhile, hardliners within the Republican Party have also criticized the potential peace accord with Iran. Senator Ted Cruz called it a 'catastrophic mistake' if Iran remains in power and receives billions of dollars. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo compared the deal to the 2015 nuclear agreement, saying it 'does not benefit the United States.' In response, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told Pompeo he 'knows nothing and should shut up.'
