Key facts
- US President Donald Trump announced that a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia is conditional on the kingdom recognizing Israel.
- This condition was not part of the initial civilian nuclear deal announced by the US and Saudi Arabia.
- The White House stated that Trump had previously communicated this condition to Saudi Arabia.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the prospect of Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel.
- Concerns have been raised by critics and lawmakers about nuclear proliferation risks associated with the deal.
- Reports suggested the deal might involve US assistance in building uranium enrichment facilities, a possibility Trump later seemed to dismiss.
US President Donald Trump has introduced a new condition to a recently signed civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, stating that the deal is contingent on the kingdom normalizing relations with Israel. This stipulation, announced via Trump's Truth Social network, was not part of the initial agreement signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart.
The White House has asserted that Trump had previously communicated this requirement to Saudi Arabia, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the deal would be off if normalization did not occur. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Saudi recognition of Israel as a "historic leap" for peace.
Initial reports suggested the deal might include provisions for the US to assist Saudi Arabia in constructing facilities to enrich uranium, a development that raised concerns among experts and lawmakers about nuclear proliferation and a potential regional arms race. However, Trump later appeared to quash these reports by stating there would be "no enrichment of material" and that the entire agreement was subject to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
Analysts like H.A. Hellyer expressed skepticism about Saudi Arabia agreeing to such a shift, given its long-standing position on Palestinian statehood. The deal, which could generate billions for American companies, now faces significant uncertainty regarding its future, as well as congressional review.