Washington, May 27: Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has sharply criticized Pakistan’s refusal to consider joining the Abraham Accords. He stated that Islamabad’s involvement in any diplomatic process related to Iran is “not only problematic but even more concerning.”
These comments arose after Khawaja Asif publicly dismissed the possibility of Pakistan joining the Abraham Accords, claiming such a move would contradict the country’s “core ideologies.”
In a post on the social media platform X, Graham expressed, “It has been clear to me for quite some time that Pakistan’s role as a mediator is extremely problematic. Its hostility towards Israel is longstanding.”
Graham, known for his traditionally softer stance towards Pakistan and considered a close ally of Trump, emphasized, “It is undeniable that Iranian military aircraft are stationed at Pakistani airbases, and the past rhetoric of top Pakistani officials against Israel has been troubling.”
He referenced Asif’s previous statements opposing normalization of relations with Israel. Graham wrote, “The defense minister’s comments regarding the Abraham Accords, where he stated that Pakistan would never join because they do not trust Israel—though the video is a year old, I fear the sentiment remains the same.”
He added, “In this context, it is crucial for Pakistan to respond clearly to President Trump’s appeal for joining the Abraham Accords.”
These remarks come amid reports circulating on social media and in U.S. media about Iran’s military aircraft being stationed at Pakistani airbases amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier this month, Graham also criticized Pakistan during a congressional hearing, stating, “I don’t trust Pakistan any more than I can throw it. If Iranian aircraft are indeed present at Pakistani airbases to protect Iranian military assets, we might need to look for another mediator. It’s no surprise this issue isn’t progressing.”
Pakistan has yet to respond publicly to Graham’s latest accusations.
In an interview with Pakistani channel Sama TV, Asif dismissed speculation about Pakistan joining the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Asif stated, “Personally, I don’t think we should be part of any agreement that clashes with our core ideologies.”
Questioning negotiations with Israel, he remarked, “How can you sit with those you cannot trust even for a day?”
This controversy arises as Trump seeks to increase regional participation in the Abraham Accords as part of diplomatic efforts related to Iran.
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