U.S. nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia requires Israel recognition

In Short:
– Trump’s nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia depends on Riyadh normalising relations with Israel.
– Concerns exist about potential regional tensions from Saudi nuclear activities despite assurances of non-military use.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia is contingent upon Riyadh normalising relations with Israel.The kingdom has historically tied recognition of Israel to Palestinian statehood, resisting efforts to join the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.

Nuclear talks stalled

Trump stated the deal would only be valid if Saudi Arabia joined the Abraham Accords, which involves Arab nations establishing ties with Israel.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that without participation in the accords, “the deal is off.”

On Wednesday, an agreement was announced that would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium with U.S. technology.

Trump clarified that this deal pertains only to non-military use and strictly prohibits the enrichment of materials for military purposes.

Congress will review the deal for 90 days before its implementation, including a two-year feasibility study for uranium enrichment.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment regarding Trump’s statement.

Saudi Arabia previously asserted that the agreement aims to diversify energy sources while adhering to high safety and nonproliferation standards.

Leavitt indicated ongoing discussions with Saudi counterparts to finalise the deal and possibly see Saudi participation in the Abraham Accords soon.

Israel welcomed the condition, asserting that Saudi participation would enhance peace in the Middle East.

Leavitt has not confirmed any further requests from Israeli officials regarding this condition.

Concerns remain whether Saudi nuclear activities could lead to a regional arms race, re-igniting tensions in the area.

White House:

The nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia is contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.

We will hopefully see Saudis join the Abraham Accords very soon. pic.twitter.com/P1wQmmhl4s

— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 23, 2026

Potential consequences

The deal would permit Saudi enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear materials, raising nonproliferation concerns similar to those encountered with past agreements, like that with the UAE.

It remains uncertain how Trump’s social media post regarding nuclear enrichment relates to the agreement’s specifics and its implications for weapons-grade uranium.

The International Atomic Energy Agency awaits an official request from both nations to initiate verification measures for the deal’s compliance.