Saudi Arabia rejects linking nuclear deal to Israel normalization

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its position that diplomatic relations with Israel will not be established without the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. This stance comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump referring a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between Washington and Riyadh to Congress for review.

Reports indicate that the Trump administration has linked the implementation of the 30-year nuclear deal to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. Saudi officials have emphasized that the civilian nuclear program is a distinct part of the partnership with the United States and should not be contingent upon normalization with Israel.

The nuclear agreement, which could involve tens of billions of dollars in technology transfers and reactor construction, will undergo a 90-day congressional review period. While the President holds veto power, the agreement requires a two-thirds majority in Congress to be overturned. The deal also includes provisions for a two-year joint study regarding potential uranium enrichment facilities, though President Trump has stated there will be no uranium enrichment.