US President Donald Trump has said Washington’s proposed civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia will move forward only if Riyadh agrees to recognise Israel by joining the Abraham Accords.
The condition adds a major diplomatic component to the proposed US-Saudi nuclear agreement and links nuclear cooperation to Trump’s broader efforts to expand Arab-Israeli normalisation.
Trump Links Nuclear Cooperation to Abraham Accords
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the proposed civilian nuclear programme for Saudi Arabia would require the kingdom to join the Abraham Accords.
The agreements were established during Trump’s first administration to normalise relations between Israel and several Arab countries while promoting economic, diplomatic and security cooperation.
Trump has continued to make expansion of the accords a major objective of his Middle East policy.
Saudi Arabia Maintains Position on Palestinian State
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly said it will not establish formal diplomatic relations with Israel without a credible path toward the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Riyadh has also reaffirmed its support for the Arab Peace Initiative, which links regional normalisation with progress toward Palestinian statehood.
Trump’s demand therefore places the proposed nuclear agreement directly alongside one of the Middle East’s most difficult diplomatic issues.
US-Saudi Nuclear Agreement Raises Questions
The announcement follows the unveiling of plans for expanded civilian nuclear cooperation between Washington and Riyadh.
The proposed agreement could help Saudi Arabia develop its nuclear energy sector while deepening the strategic relationship between the two countries.
Supporters say civilian nuclear power could contribute to Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy needs and economic development.
However, critics have raised concerns about nuclear proliferation and the potential impact of expanded nuclear capabilities on the balance of power in the Middle East.
Iran Adds to Regional Security Concerns
The proposed agreement comes as tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme remain high.
Washington continues to express concerns about Tehran’s nuclear activities, while efforts to resolve the dispute through diplomacy remain difficult.
Analysts say the Saudi nuclear deal could therefore have implications beyond energy policy. It could become part of a broader US strategy to strengthen regional partnerships and counter Iran’s influence.
Saudi Normalisation Could Transform the Region
Saudi Arabia would be the most significant Arab country to establish formal relations with Israel if it joins the Abraham Accords.
The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco have already normalised relations with Israel under the framework. Sudan has also taken steps toward joining, although its normalisation process has faced delays.
For Washington, securing Saudi participation would represent a major diplomatic achievement because of the kingdom’s political, economic and religious influence across the Middle East.
Diplomatic Challenge Ahead
Trump’s decision to link nuclear cooperation with Israeli-Saudi normalisation could create both opportunities and obstacles.
Riyadh would have to balance its strategic relationship with Washington against its longstanding position on Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, Israel would face pressure to support a diplomatic framework acceptable to Saudi Arabia.
The future of the proposed nuclear agreement will therefore depend not only on technical and security negotiations but also on whether Washington, Riyadh and Jerusalem can reach common ground on the broader political future of the region.
