Trump advisors are exploring an extension of the Abraham Accords to include Azerbaijan and key Central Asian nations in an effort to strengthen Israel’s regional alliances and broaden U.S. influence.
Given their existing diplomatic links with Israel, Azerbaijan and Central Asia’s inclusion in the Abraham Accords would be mostly formal, focusing on expanding commerce and defense ties, sources noted.
The move reflects Trump’s readiness to embrace more modest agreements as talks with Saudi Arabia falter amid the Gaza war.
Mounting Gaza casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis have intensified regional backlash, stalling Abraham Accord’s growth.
With more than 60,000 fatalities, including many women and children, the Gaza war has triggered worldwide outrage.
The Trump administration views a peace settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia as essential for Abraham Accords membership, making their conflict a critical sticking point, according to sources.
While various nations have been considered, talks with Azerbaijan are the most focused and promising, with sources saying a deal could be finalized within weeks or months.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s peace envoy, visited Baku in March for talks with President Ilham Aliyev, followed by aide Aryeh Lightstone later in the spring to advance Abraham Accords discussions, sources say.
Azerbaijani officials have engaged Central Asian nations, including Kazakhstan, to assess interest in broadening the Abraham Accords, though the full list of countries contacted is unknown, sources say.
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The State Department didn’t specify which countries but affirmed that broadening the Abraham Accords is a key Trump goal. “We are striving to include more nations,” a U.S. official stated.
