US President Donald Trump has set a clear condition for a major nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. He said the deal depends on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords.
The agreement would help Saudi Arabia build a civilian nuclear program. But Trump wants the kingdom to normalize ties with Israel first.
Trump States His Condition
Trump shared the news on Truth Social this Thursday. He said the deal only covers peaceful, civilian nuclear use.
He compared it to programs Iran and the UAE already run. Trump added that the deal “will be approved.” However, he said it is “totally subject” to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords began under Trump in 2020. They set rules for diplomatic ties between Israel and once-hostile nations. Still, the accords remain unpopular across parts of the region. Many people say they ignore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Two Agreements Signed
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed two agreements. His Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, signed alongside him.
One deal covers “peaceful nuclear cooperation.” The other covers “bilateral safeguards.” The full text has not been released yet.
The US Energy Department praised the move. It called the deal a “decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership.” Officials said it supports economic goals and nuclear non-proliferation.
Legal Foundation and Enrichment Worries
The US-Saudi Nuclear Deal falls under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act. The US holds similar agreements with over 50 countries.
The Wall Street Journal reported one key concern. US companies might build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. The Energy Department did not confirm this provision.
Some lawmakers and Israeli officials worry about the risk. They fear Saudi Arabia could later use the technology for weapons.
Proliferation Fears
Policymakers have long feared a Gulf arms race. Many worry that an Iranian bomb could trigger one.
Secretary Wright dismissed these concerns. He said the deal serves US economic and strategic interests. He promised the “highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation.”
Expert Views
Matthew Kroenig of the Atlantic Council raised caution. He said allowing enrichment on Saudi soil would be “a mistake.” Still, he backed stronger US-Saudi ties.
Jennifer T. Gordon, also from the Atlantic Council, welcomed the deal. She called it a “win for the US over Russia and China.” She said Saudi Arabia will build a civil nuclear program either way.
The US-Saudi Nuclear Deal now heads to Congress for review. The Republican-controlled legislature is unlikely to block it. The coming weeks will show how Riyadh responds to Trump’s condition.
