US President Donald Trump has urged several Middle Eastern countries to normalize relations with Israel, according to Axios.
During phone calls on May 23, Trump spoke with leaders of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
He expressed hope that after the Iran conflict ends, countries not yet part of the Abraham Accords would improve ties with Tel Aviv.
Representatives from Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia were surprised by Trump's request. Silence fell during the call, and Trump joked, "Are you there?"
Trump added that normalization efforts would be handled by his special envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner.
