Trump makes Saudi nuclear deal conditional on Israel recognition
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the civilian nuclear agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia will be approved only if Riyadh joins the Abraham Accords, normalizing ties with Israel. The deal, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, prohibits uranium enrichment and is limited to non-military use.
The Nuclear Deal
The US and Saudi Arabia signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, known as the '123 Agreement', along with an accompanying bilateral safeguards agreement. The US Department of Energy described the pacts as forming the legal basis for a 'multi-decade, multibillion-dollar partnership' that advances economic and strategic goals, including non-proliferation. The agreement allows American companies greater access to Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy program, benefiting US industry, workers, and supply chains.
The Abraham Accords Condition
President Trump stated on social media that the nuclear deal's approval is contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which normalize relations with Israel. He emphasized that the agreement excludes uranium enrichment, similar to US deals with Iran and the UAE, and only covers non-military uses. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the ASEAN meeting in the Philippines, noted that Saudi Arabia is a strategic partner and that any nuclear deal would include safeguards to prevent weaponization.
Regional Nuclear Context
Saudi Arabia aims to become the latest Middle Eastern nation with a nuclear program, following the UAE, which operates the Barakah plant, and Iran, which enriches uranium. The US is not the only potential supplier of nuclear technology to Riyadh, as Rubio acknowledged, but Washington prefers to be the partner of choice for peaceful nuclear programs. The deal's non-enrichment clause is designed to prevent a regional arms race.
What's Next
The US Congress will review the 123 Agreement, which requires a 90-day notification period before it can take effect. It remains unclear whether Saudi Arabia will agree to normalize ties with Israel, a step that could reshape Middle East diplomacy but faces domestic and regional opposition.
8 sources
Trump makes Saudi nuclear deal conditional on Israel recognition
