Abraham Accords Could Expand, Witkoff Hints

In a speech full of diplomatic optimism and strategic weight, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff hinted on Monday at significant forthcoming developments in the expansion of the Abraham Accords. Speaking at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., during Israel’s 77th Independence Day celebration, Witkoff indicated that “many announcements” could be expected “very, very shortly.”

“We think [we] will have some, or a lot of announcements... which we hope will yield great progress by next year,” Witkoff said, referencing the Trump administration’s renewed focus on building upon the historic normalization agreements forged during its first term.

Originally signed in 2020, the Abraham Accords marked a diplomatic breakthrough as Israel normalized relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Witkoff’s remarks suggest that additional nations in the Arab and Muslim world may soon join this expanding circle of peace.

While celebrating Israel’s accomplishments, Witkoff acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the event due to the 59 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. “Our celebration is bittersweet... 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,” he recalled.

He noted that he remains in “almost daily” contact with mediators in Qatar and Egypt to help secure the hostages’ release a top priority for the U.S. and its allies.

On the Iranian nuclear front, Witkoff addressed the administration’s current efforts to rein in Tehran’s ambitions. “Tehran will not have a nuclear weapon,” he stated firmly. He emphasized President Trump’s preference for a diplomatic solution, adding that “efforts are now underway to coordinate a fourth round of talks.”

These negotiations, recently initiated in Oman, were described by the White House as “positive and constructive.” However, skepticism remains due to continued uranium enrichment by Iran at nearly weapons-grade levels, a concern flagged by the International Atomic Energy Agency last year.

Despite the complex regional landscape, Witkoff’s address projected a message of hope, hope for peace through the Abraham Accords, for security through diplomacy, and for healing through the return of Israel’s captives.

As Israel looks toward a future of normalization, resilience, and redemption, friends around the world are working to ensure that its victories on the battlefield are matched by triumphs in diplomacy.

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