August 2, 2025 – Washington / Baku / Jerusalem
Donald Trump’s presidential team is reportedly working to expand the Abraham Accords by bringing Azerbaijan and several Central Asian nations into the landmark normalization framework with Israel, according to The Times of Israel, citing five informed sources.
The initiative, if realized, would mark a major symbolic and strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy in Eurasia. The Abraham Accords, originally brokered during Trump’s first term in 2020–2021, led to the normalization of diplomatic ties between Israel and four Muslim-majority countries under U.S. mediation.
Unlike the original signatories, however, Azerbaijan and most Central Asian nations already maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. Thus, the move is seen as largely symbolic—yet with strong implications for expanding defense, trade, and technological cooperation.
“Azerbaijan and all Central Asian countries have long-standing ties with Israel,” said one source. “Their inclusion would reinforce those ties and provide momentum for broader regional integration.”
Peace Deal Prerequisite
According to sources close to the Trump campaign, a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is seen as a necessary condition for Azerbaijan’s formal accession to the Abraham Accords. Talks with Baku are described as “among the most advanced and serious” in the current diplomatic push, with a deal potentially achievable “within months or even weeks.”
Quiet Diplomacy in Baku
Trump’s special envoy for peace negotiations, real estate executive and adviser Steve Witkoff, visited Baku in March, where he reportedly met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. His senior aide, Aryeh Lightstone—who previously helped implement the Abraham Accords—also held meetings in the Azerbaijani capital this spring to explore the country’s participation.
The Azerbaijani side, according to sources, has initiated contact with officials from neighboring Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries to coordinate a possible regional bloc entry into the expanded accords.
State Department: Expansion Still a Priority
While the U.S. State Department declined to confirm which countries are under discussion, a spokesperson stated:
“Expanding the Abraham Accords remains a top priority. We are committed to bringing more nations into this growing circle of peace.”
If successful, the inclusion of Azerbaijan and Central Asian states would solidify Israel’s position in the broader Islamic world and deepen economic and defense ties across Eurasia. It would also be a significant diplomatic achievement for Trump’s foreign policy platform ahead of the U.S. elections.
