Trump Links Saudi Nuclear Deal to Israel Ties

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a U.S.–Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement, signed the day before, would be “totally subject to” Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Abraham Accords. The statement effectively tied the nuclear deal to the kingdom’s decision to normalise relations with Israel, a move Saudi officials have historically resisted, particularly after the Gaza conflict. The new condition was met with swift criticism from Riyadh, which has cited regional security concerns and domestic opposition as reasons for its reluctance to join the Accords.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia had agreed to a framework for nuclear collaboration that included the sharing of technology, training, and oversight mechanisms. Trump’s ultimatum, issued via a brief press release, suggested that the agreement would be voided if Saudi Arabia did not sign the Accords within a specified timeframe. Riyadh’s foreign ministry has yet to respond, but analysts warn that the condition could derail the deal and strain U.S.–Saudi relations, especially as the U.S. seeks to solidify its strategic partnership in the Middle East.

If Saudi Arabia refuses to join the Abraham Accords, the nuclear cooperation framework may collapse, leaving the United States to reassess its strategy for countering regional threats and ensuring nuclear non‑proliferation. The development underscores the complex interplay between diplomatic initiatives and security agreements in a volatile region.