US-Saudi Nuclear Deal in Doubt Amid Trump’s Israel Recognition Demand
US President Donald Trump conditions approval of the newly signed US-Saudi nuclear deal on Saudi Arabia's recognition of Israel, casting doubt on the agreement.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The White House has cast uncertainty over a newly signed US-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal, stating that its approval is contingent on Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel as part of the 2020 Abraham Accords.
US President Donald Trump emphasized this condition in a social media post, noting that the Civil Nuclear Deal would be approved only if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords. The deal, which excludes enrichment — and is limited to non-military use, now faces potential delays or revisions.
“The Civil Nuclear Deal … will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords,” Trump wrote.
This development adds a new layer of complexity to the already intricate Middle East diplomatic landscape. The Abraham Accords, brokered by the Trump administration, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
Saudi Arabia, a key player in the region, has yet to formally recognize Israel, despite informal ties and shared interests in countering Iranian influence. The nuclear deal, aimed at preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons while allowing Saudi Arabia to develop civilian nuclear energy, now hinges on this significant political move.
The White House’s statement suggests that the deal’s fate is intertwined with broader regional diplomatic efforts. Analysts note that Trump’s condition could either expedite Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel or complicate the nuclear agreement further.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
