Explained: What are the Abraham Accords that Trump linked to the US-Saudi nuclear deal?

US President Donald Trump has said the proposed nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia will materialise only if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords. The statement has brought these accords into the spotlight, prompting the need to know what the Abraham Accords are and why they are so important.

What are the Abraham Accords?

The Abraham Accords are a series of agreements brokered by the United States in 2020 to organise diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries.

The accords were first signed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain in September 2020 at the White House. They were later accepted by Morocco and Sudan; however, Sudan's implementation process has remained uncertain due to political instability.

The agreements marked a historic shift in Middle East diplomacy, as several Arab nations formally recognised Israel after years of limited or no diplomatic ties.

Why are they called the Abraham Accords?

The agreements are named after Abraham, a figure who is idolised in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The name was chosen to highlight the shared religious heritage among the three faiths and promote the ideal of peaceful coexistence.

What do countries gain by joining?

The Abraham Accords allow participating countries to have full diplomatic relations with Israel. This includes opening embassies, operationalising direct flights, expanding trade and investment, promoting tourism, strengthening security cooperation, and partnering in sectors such as technology, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and innovation.

Ever since the accords have been signed, trade between Israel and the aforementioned Arab countries has prospered, with new business partnerships and investment opportunities emerging in the region.

Has Saudi Arabia joined the Abraham Accords?

No. Saudi Arabia has not joined the Abraham Accords. Although Riyadh has held discussions with the United States over possible normalisation with Israel, it has stopped short of establishing formal diplomatic ties. Saudi leaders have repeatedly said that progress on Palestinian statehood remains an important factor in any future decision.

Why has Trump linked the nuclear deal to the Abraham Accords?

Taking to his preferred social media platform, Truth Social, Trump has cited that the US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement would be approved only if Saudi joins the Abraham Accords.

In the post, he has also clarified that the agreement would be strictly for civilian purposes and would not involve enrichment of material.

By voicing the condition, Trump is seemingly using the nuclear agreement as an incentive for Saudi Arabia to formally recognise Israel. If Saudi Arabia comply with the demand, then it would surely be one of the biggest diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East in decades.

Since Saudi Arabia are one of the most influential countries in the Arab and Islamic world, its entry into the group of members who have signed the Abraham Accords could significantly transform the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. It may strengthen ties between Israel and Arab nations.

However, not to forget, the issue remains politically sensitive due to the never-ending Israel-Palestine conflict. Any decision by Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel will expectedly have immense diplomatic and strategic impact on the regional as well as global politics.