President Donald Trump is exploring the expansion of the Abraham Accords by inviting Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries to join the landmark peace agreements first launched during his previous term. Though these nations already maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, sources say the move is aimed at deepening economic, diplomatic, and military cooperation, rather than establishing formal ties. Talks with Azerbaijan are reportedly the most advanced, with Trump's peace envoy Steve Witkoff and aide Aryeh Lightstone meeting with President Ilham Aliyev in recent months. Azerbaijani officials have also reached out to nearby nations like Kazakhstan to gauge interest in a broader regional accord.

However, significant obstacles remain. Chief among them is the unresolved conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which the Trump administration sees as a precondition for Azerbaijan’s formal entry into the Abraham Accords. While some officials believe a peace treaty is close, tensions over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region linger, complicating diplomatic progress. Still, Trump's team views this expansion effort as a strategic win that could bolster U.S. and Israeli influence in a region rich in oil, gas, and geopolitical importance—offering symbolic victories amid an increasingly volatile Middle East.

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SOURCE: The Algemeiner