US‑Saudi civilian nuclear deal tied to Saudi recognition of Israel

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a 30‑year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a “123 Agreement,” that will allow the Kingdom to develop a nuclear energy program with U.S. technology and U.S. company participation. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the deal will only be approved if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords and formally normalizes relations with Israel. He added that the agreement “will not allow enrichment of material.” The condition was not part of the original text and was introduced after the signing, catching Saudi officials off‑guard.

The agreement excludes the International Atomic Energy Agency’s “gold‑standard” safeguards and does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the Additional Protocol, raising concerns among non‑proliferation experts and some U.S. lawmakers about a possible regional arms race. Congress must still review and approve the pact. If implemented, the deal is expected to generate tens of billions of dollars for American firms such as Westinghouse, while giving Saudi Arabia access to nuclear technology to diversify its energy mix. Israel welcomed the prospect of Saudi normalization, whereas Riyadh has historically tied any such move to the establishment of a Palestinian state.