Former President Donald Trump said the United States will not proceed with a nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia unless the kingdom first joins the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states that his administration brokered in 2020.
A Condition for Nuclear Cooperation
Trump’s statement ties a potential civilian nuclear deal directly to diplomatic normalization. The US has been exploring a pact that would help Saudi Arabia develop a nuclear energy program, but concerns over proliferation and regional stability have slowed talks. By linking the deal to the Abraham Accords, Trump is effectively making Saudi recognition of Israel a prerequisite for American nuclear assistance.
The former president did not specify what form the nuclear deal would take or what safeguards would be required. But his remarks signal that any future agreement under a potential second Trump administration would hinge on Riyadh’s willingness to formalize ties with Israel.
The Abraham Accords Context
The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. Saudi Arabia, the most influential Arab state, has so far held back. The kingdom has indicated it would consider joining only after a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is achieved, a position that puts it at odds with the current Israeli government.
Trump’s statement suggests he would use the nuclear deal as leverage to push Saudi Arabia toward normalization, a move that could reshape Middle East alliances. Critics argue that such a condition might undermine efforts to address the Palestinian issue, while supporters see it as a way to build a broader peace front against Iran.
What’s at Stake
A US-Saudi nuclear deal would be a major step for Riyadh’s energy ambitions. Saudi Arabia wants to diversify its power grid and free up more oil for export. But any nuclear program raises nonproliferation concerns, especially if the kingdom insists on the right to enrich uranium, which could be used for weapons.
Trump’s condition adds a political layer to an already complex negotiation. Saudi Arabia has not publicly responded to the statement. The Biden administration has also been pursuing a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, but with different terms. Trump’s remarks could complicate those efforts, especially if he returns to office.
The question now is whether Saudi Arabia will accept the condition. The kingdom has long made Palestinian statehood a red line. Joining the Abraham Accords without that would be a major shift. Trump’s statement sets up a clear choice for Riyadh: normalize with Israel or forgo US nuclear help.
