Washington/ Islamabad – The United States President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News on Friday, hinted that Saudi Arabia could soon join the Abraham Accords, a US-brokered normalization framework between Israel and several Arab states.
When asked whether he expected an expansion of the accords, Trump replied, “I do. Soon. I don’t want to use the word immediate, but soon… I hope to see Saudi Arabia go in, and I hope to see others go in. When Saudi Arabia goes in, everybody goes in.”
Trump praised the original signatories, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, describing the accords as “a miracle” that had opened trade and diplomatic channels with Israel. He also lauded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “highly respected” and “willing” to pursue normalization, noting that such a move had previously been constrained by regional conflicts involving Iran.
Trump’s comments have reignited speculation that other Muslim-majority nations could follow suit, particularly Pakistan, following its recent landmark defense cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia.
However, Islamabad has categorically denied such claims. The Foreign Office reaffirmed that “Pakistan does not recognize Israel as a state and continues to support the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.”
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for ‘Two State Solution’
At the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York (September 22–29, 2025), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position:
“We fully support the Palestinian cause and their right to self-determination — specifically, the establishment of an independent and contiguous state of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan–Saudi Defense Pact, signed on September 17, 2025, at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscores both nations’ shared commitment to regional peace and security.
A joint statement released by both sides emphasized: “This agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and achieve peace in the region and the world. Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
Addressing the Pakistan Military Academy, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, hailed the pact as a testament to the enduring brotherhood between the two nations: “It is a unique honor for the people and armed forces of Pakistan to offer their services in defense of the Two Holy Mosques. This agreement strengthens mutual defense cooperation and contributes to peace and stability in the Middle East and South Asia.”
Munir further highlighted Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue with Iran, describing the agreement as “a step towards regional harmony rather than confrontation.”
While Trump’s remarks have stirred renewed debate over the future trajectory of Middle East diplomacy, analysts note that Pakistan’s position remains anchored in its long-standing policy of supporting Palestinian statehood.
For Islamabad, the defense partnership with Riyadh is strategic, centered on regional security and religious solidarity, not a prelude to diplomatic recognition of Israel.
