US President Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Thursday regarding a recently signed nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, stating that the kingdom’s recognition of Israel is a prerequisite for the deal to proceed. This unexpected stipulation complicates an agreement that had been celebrated prior.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has resisted formalizing ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, prioritizing the establishment of a Palestinian state as a necessary precursor. The civilian nuclear agreement, which was unveiled just a day earlier, was initially seen as a substantial diplomatic victory for Riyadh amid rising tensions with Iran over its nuclear activities.
However, on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that while the deal “will be approved,” it heavily depends on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. The statement caught Saudi officials off guard and raised questions about the future of the nuclear agreement, which had initially seemed like a pivotal moment in U.S.-Saudi relations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the condition for Saudi recognition of Israel had been communicated to Riyadh in previous discussions. “The president is always the final dealmaker,” she stated. “If they don’t join the Abraham Accords, the deal is off.” Leavitt affirmed that ongoing conversations with Saudi officials would continue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Saudi recognition as a potential “historic leap” towards Middle Eastern peace, signaling the geopolitical significance of the development. However, no immediate response from Saudi authorities was available.
If the nuclear deal proceeds, it is projected to generate billions in revenue for U.S. companies, but the new conditions have cast uncertainty over its realization. H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, expressed skepticism regarding Saudi Arabia’s willingness to pivot from its long-standing position on Israel.
Critics of the deal worry it may trigger a nuclear arms race in a region already fraught with conflict. Reports indicate that U.S. companies could construct a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, a point that has prompted alarm among lawmakers and Israeli officials. Although the U.S. Energy Department did not confirm this provision, Trump declared on social media that “there will be no enrichment of material!”
The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress for review, where it faces opposition due to concerns over Saudi Arabia potentially transforming the civilian program into a weapons program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated any civil nuclear agreement would include safeguards to prevent such outcomes.
Sustained interest in civilian nuclear capabilities has been evident in Riyadh, particularly in the context of its mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan established last year. Many fear that should Iran attain nuclear weapons, it could incite an arms race across the Gulf region.
Despite these concerns, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the agreement as beneficial for national interests and assured it adhered to the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, echoing the United States’ extensive history of nuclear cooperation with over 50 countries.
The backdrop of this nuclear agreement unfolds against the backdrop of increased tensions, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels launching attacks in the Red Sea, claiming to enforce a blockade on Saudi Arabia. Trump has vowed to take action against Iran and the Houthis if such attacks persist.
