Saudi Arabia, Qatar Among Nine to Join Trump Peace Board

Saudi Arabia and eight other Muslim-majority countries, including Gaza mediators Qatar and Turkey, have agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” the Saudi foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, Riyadh said the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates had taken a “shared decision” to participate in the body, which is to be chaired by Trump. The statement said the countries support his peace efforts related to the Gaza conflict.

Kuwait later confirmed its participation, with the foreign ministry saying in a post on X that it had also accepted the invitation.

Invitations were reportedly sent to dozens of world leaders, including a request for a $1 billion contribution for a permanent seat on the board. The Saudi statement, however, made no reference to any financial commitment.

While the initiative was initially presented as a mechanism to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, the board’s charter does not appear to limit its mandate to the territory. Its broad scope has raised concerns that it could rival the United Nations, drawing criticism from some US allies, including France.

The move also comes amid strains between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both of which have sought to strengthen ties with the Trump administration through investment pledges and business deals.

France has indicated it will not join the board, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation, according to his office. However, he has objected to the inclusion of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi on a “Gaza Executive Board” operating under the broader body.