Key facts
- President Donald Trump has linked a US-Saudi civil nuclear energy deal to Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel.
- The deal requires Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords.
- The agreement prohibits uranium enrichment for military use.
- The deal has been submitted to the US Congress for review.
- Saudi Arabia's prior condition for recognizing Israel was the establishment of a Palestinian state.
US President Donald Trump has stated that a civil nuclear energy agreement with Saudi Arabia is contingent upon the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords and formally recognizing Israel. Trump clarified that the deal, which involves US companies in program development expected to last 30 years, pertains only to non-military uses and does not allow for uranium enrichment.
Trump conveyed this condition via Truth Social, emphasizing that the agreement would be approved but is "totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords." This stance was reiterated by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that Trump has previously informed Saudi leaders that the deal would be off if they did not join the accords.
Saudi Arabia has historically maintained that it would only formally recognize Israel upon the establishment of a Palestinian state, a condition that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed. Following Trump's remarks, Netanyahu welcomed the potential for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, calling it an "historic leap forward for peace in the Middle East."
The deal has been sent to the US Congress for review. Experts and some lawmakers have expressed concerns about potential nuclear proliferation risks in the region, although Trump's party controls both chambers of Congress. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated it is aware of the US and Saudi plans for a bilateral civil nuclear cooperation agreement and looks forward to implementing verification measures.