President Trump added a condition to the US-Saudi nuclear deal requiring Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel.
The administration announced a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to develop a nuclear program for electricity and resource exports. The deal, which was expected to last 30 years, provides Saudi Arabia with US technology and expertise while establishing bilateral safeguards. However, the agreement faced a sudden shift after President Trump issued a social media post stating that the deal is contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. This new requirement means Riyadh must normalize diplomatic relations with Israel, a move the kingdom has historically linked to a clear pathway for Palestinian statehood. While the Energy Department initially moved forward with a formal signing ceremony, the new condition has placed the deal in a state of diplomatic suspension. The administration clarified that the agreement focuses on nonmilitary uses, such as those used by Iran and the UAE. The deal now awaits a formal submission to Congress for review, while Saudi Arabia considers its options should the normalization requirement delay the final agreement.