Trump Eyes Syria and Lebanon for Expanded Abraham Accords After Middle East Shakeup

President Donald Trump is stirring the Middle East pot again, hinting at expanding the Abraham Accords with new players after a seismic regional shakeup. In a lively chat on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Trump revealed that several nations are eyeing a spot in the historic agreement, especially after the U.S. and Israel put a damper on Iran's nuclear ambitions during the so-called "12-Day War."

"We’ve got some solid countries in the Accords already, and we’re about to load it up," Trump said, pointing to Iran’s weakened position as a catalyst. He even mused about Iran potentially joining the fold back when tensions were less fiery, suggesting they’d be in a better spot now if they had.

The Abraham Accords, inked in 2020 under Trump’s first term, brought Israel, Sunni Gulf States, and North African nations closer, fostering normalized ties. Now, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is pushing to broaden the pact, teasing "big announcements" about new members. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dropped a notable name—Syria—highlighting Trump’s pitch to its new leadership during a Saudi Arabia summit earlier this year.

Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi also chimed in, per Israel Hayom, naming Syria and Lebanon as prime candidates. Trump, ever the dealmaker, confirmed he’s lifted sanctions on Syria to ease their entry, noting the move came at the urging of regional allies. "The sanctions were biting hard," he said, adding that Iran’s still under pressure too.

Eugene Kontorovich, a Middle East expert at the Heritage Foundation, sees Syria and Lebanon as realistic additions, especially with Iran’s influence waning. "Syria’s new government has a lot to gain—legitimacy, for starters," he told reporters, predicting peace deals within Trump’s term.

As the Middle East recalibrates, the Accords could reshape alliances, with Trump’s bold vision driving the charge.