Witkoff: We’ll Be Making Announcements About Expansion Of Abraham Accords

NEW YORK (VINnews) — Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, said Tuesday night at an event marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day — organized by the Israeli Embassy in Washington — that there has been some progress in the talks between the United States and Iran.

In his speech at the reception, Witkoff declared, “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.” In a conversation with reporters at the event, he added that there had been some progress in the nuclear talks between the US and Iran. “I hope we’re moving in the right direction,” Witkoff said. “The President has stated his desire to resolve this issue diplomatically if possible, and we are working toward an agreement. Efforts are now underway to coordinate a fourth round of talks.”

Regarding the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision to expand the fighting in Gaza, Witkoff said: “Israel is a sovereign country and makes its own decisions. The president stands behind the State of Israel. It’s important to free the hostages, but Hamas must also be disarmed.”

On the topic of a hostage deal, Witkoff said he is in “almost daily” constant contact with Qatar, Egypt, and Israel, and he hopes to see progress during Trump’s visit to the region. “The president wants the hostages released, the prime minister wants them released — we are all working toward that goal in a focused way,” he said.

He added, “Our celebration is bittersweet because 59 hostages are still being held by Hamas. I remember when the female soldiers were released, and I sang ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ with them. I thought that was the most emotional moment of my life. On behalf of President Trump, I tell you—we are working and hoping that next Independence Day will not just be a wish for joy but a joyful reality.”

Witkoff also stated in his speech that the Trump administration will be making “some announcements — actually, many announcements — related to the expansion of the Abraham Accords.”

To celebrate Israel’s 77th Independence Day, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Yehiel Leiter, hosted a series of festive events at his official residence in Washington.

The main reception took place last night at the ambassador’s residence and was attended by senior American officials, members of Congress and the Senate, foreign ambassadors, leaders of Jewish communities, media figures, representatives of major organizations, and senior figures from civil society, defense, and academia.