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US‑Saudi Civil Nuclear Deal Stalled as Trump Ties It to Israeli Normalisation
The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that would allow the kingdom to develop nuclear reactors and, after a two‑year study, potentially enrich uranium on Saudi soil. The pact, described as a decades‑long, multi‑billion‑dollar partnership, was announced by the Energy Department and sent to Congress for review.
Within 24 hours, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the deal would only proceed if Saudi Arabia joined the Abraham Accords – the framework that normalises relations with Israel. The condition was absent from the original announcement, prompting surprise among U.S. officials, criticism in the media and concerns from Israel about a possible regional arms race. Trump reiterated the stance, saying the agreement “will not go forward unless they are a member of the Abraham Accords.” The deal now faces an uncertain future as lawmakers consider its non‑proliferation implications and the political ramifications of linking nuclear cooperation to diplomatic recognition of Israel.