President Trump conditions the new U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation deal on the kingdom normalizing relations with Israel.

The administration announced a nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia to establish a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom. The agreement provides American companies with priority access to supply reactors and fuel, allowing Saudi Arabia to diversify its energy sources and maximize petroleum exports. However, President Trump recently added a new condition, stating the deal is subject to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. While the initial agreement does not explicitly mention Israel, the administration's new requirement adds a layer of diplomatic complexity. Saudi Arabia has historically resisted formal ties with Israel until a clear path for a Palestinian state is established. Furthermore, the deal allows for the possibility of Saudi uranium enrichment following a two-year study, though it does not require the kingdom to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency’s "additional protocol" for expanded oversight. This lack of strict international monitoring has sparked concerns among proliferation experts regarding potential future weaponization. The deal must now be submitted to Congress for review within 90 days.

Sources