President Donald Trump has approved a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, a deal that drops the longstanding requirement for the kingdom to normalize relations with Israel. The accord opens the door for US-built reactors and uranium supply to the Gulf state.
What the Deal Covers
The agreement, signed by the Trump administration, establishes a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation over three decades. It specifically allows for US-built uranium — likely referring to American-designed reactors or enriched uranium fuel — to be supplied to Saudi Arabia. The deal does not include the standard condition that Riyadh must first normalize ties with Israel, a clause that has been a pillar of previous US nuclear negotiations in the region.
Why the Israel Clause Was Dropped
The removal of the normalization requirement marks a significant shift in US policy. Previous administrations had insisted that any nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia include a path to recognition of Israel, as part of broader Middle East peace efforts. The Trump administration’s decision to proceed without that condition suggests a prioritization of energy and strategic ties with Riyadh over the traditional linkage to Israeli normalization.
What Comes Next
The deal is now approved by the president, but it may still face scrutiny from Congress, which has 90 days to review such agreements under the Atomic Energy Act. Lawmakers have not yet indicated whether they will block or modify the deal. The Saudi government has not publicly commented on the agreement, and it remains unclear when the first US-built nuclear components would be delivered.
