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Graham Links Iran Deal to Saudi Accords; Gulf Demands Statehood

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Lindsey Graham posted on X linking a potential Iran deal to Saudi Arabia’s entry into the Abraham Accords, sparking Gulf criticism.
He urged Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan to join the Accords during U.S. Iran negotiations, though no official commitments exist.
Saudi officials say any Accords expansion requires Israel to address Palestinian statehood, a demand complicated by the October 7 war, Iran’s support and UAE-Qatar unease about Israeli election campaigning.

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Story summary

Senator Lindsey Graham posted on X linking a potential Iran deal to Saudi Arabia’s entry into the Abraham Accords, sparking Gulf criticism.
He urged Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan to join the Accords during U.S. Iran negotiations, though no official commitments exist.
Saudi officials say any Accords expansion requires Israel to address Palestinian statehood, a demand complicated by the October 7 war, Iran’s support and UAE-Qatar unease about Israeli election campaigning.