President Trump is celebrating another Middle Eastern peace deal that he helped engineer between two regional foes.
On Friday, less than two weeks before Election Day, Trump informed Congress he would remove Sudan’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, allowing a path forward for the normalization of relations among the United States, Sudan, and Israel.
“The leaders agreed to the normalization of relations between Sudan and Israel and to end the state of belligerence between their nations,” read part of a joint statement released by the three countries. “After decades of living under a brutal dictatorship, the people of Sudan are finally taking charge. The Sudanese transitional government has demonstrated its courage and commitment to combating terrorism, building its democratic institutions, and improving its relations with its neighbors. In light of this historic progress, and following President Trump’s decision to remove Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, the United States and Israel agreed to partner with Sudan in its new start and ensure that it is fully integrated into the international community.”
In a press release sent by the White House, Trump wrote that the removal of the designation marked “a pivotal turning point for Sudan,” which has long been at odds with the Israeli regime and other Western democracies.
“Today represents a momentous step forward in the United States-Sudan bilateral relationship and marks a pivotal turning point for Sudan, allowing for a new future of collaboration and support for its ongoing and historic democratic transition,” read the statement. “We commend the transitional government of Sudan for its work to chart a new course and stand ready to support the people of Sudan as they work to build a better future for themselves and future generations.”
The deal follows other recent peace accords struck among Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which were brokered in part by Trump, who said on Friday that there are “many, many more coming.”
“This is one where there’s no blood in the sand,” Trump said, recalling similar rhetoric he used when discussing Middle Eastern countries.
Trump spoke with Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok via speakerphone on Friday, and the leader thanked Trump for his work in bringing the two former enemies together.
Trump signed the document notifying Congress of his decision to remove Sudan’s designation as a state sponsor of terror aboard an Air Force One flight on Thursday evening. He did not address whether the deal will fully normalize diplomatic ties between Sudan and Israel.
During Friday’s meeting, Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he thought Democratic rival Joe Biden could have completed the deal. “One thing I can tell you is we appreciate the help for peace from anyone in America,” Netanyahu replied.
Brian Hook, the State Department’s special envoy for Iran, championed the deal, declaring that “the Arab-Israeli conflict is moving towards an end.”
