WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a proposed civil nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia will move forward only if the Kingdom joins the Abraham Accords, linking the energy partnership to the normalisation of diplomatic ties with Israel.
Trump Sets Condition for Nuclear Agreement
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the civil nuclear deal would be approved only if Saudi Arabia signs the Abraham Accords.
“The Civil Nuclear Deal (There will be no enrichment of material!)… pertains only to non-military use… and is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords,” Trump wrote.
He added that the United States supports peaceful, non-enriched civilian nuclear facilities and stressed that the proposed agreement is intended exclusively for non-military purposes.
Details of the Proposed Nuclear Deal
According to the agreement announced by both countries:
- Saudi Arabia would be allowed to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme.
- The Kingdom would build nuclear reactors using US technology.
- The programme would focus on peaceful energy production.
- The Trump administration says the agreement complies with the non-proliferation requirements of the US Atomic Energy Act.
US officials described the safeguards as among the strongest nuclear oversight standards in the world.
Saudi Arabia Maintains Palestine-First Position
Saudi Arabia has consistently maintained that it will not join the Abraham Accords unless there is an agreed roadmap toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Following Trump’s remarks, the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.
Trump Says Netanyahu Will Not Be Arrested During US Visit
Riyadh has repeatedly stated that any normalisation with Israel remains contingent on meaningful progress toward a two-state solution.
Background on the Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords were launched during Trump’s first presidential term in 2020.
Under the agreements:
- The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain established diplomatic relations with Israel.
- Morocco and Sudan later joined the normalisation process.
The accords marked a significant shift in Middle East diplomacy by encouraging Arab-Israeli cooperation.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Diversification Plans
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, says expanding civilian nuclear power is part of its long-term strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons.
Saudi officials have stated that the programme will follow the highest international standards for nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation while supporting the Kingdom’s broader economic transformation plans under Vision 2030.
