Trump Says Saudi Nuclear Pact Depends on Joining Abraham Accords

A new claim has added to the uncertainty surrounding the United States‑backed agreement to launch a civilian nuclear programme in Saudi Arabia. According to the statement, released by a senior U.S. policy adviser, the deal may include provisions that could be interpreted as facilitating the development of dual‑use technologies, a point that was not highlighted in the original announcement. The adviser said the language in the draft agreement is “ambiguous” and could be construed to allow the transfer of certain advanced nuclear components that are also relevant to weapons‑grade material.

The original deal, signed last month by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Saudi Ministry of Energy, aimed to provide the Kingdom with access to nuclear reactors, fuel‑cycle services, and technical assistance for peaceful energy production. Saudi officials have repeatedly insisted that the programme is strictly civilian, intended to diversify the country’s energy mix and support its Vision 2030 economic goals. The new claim, however, has prompted calls from both sides for a clarification of the agreement’s scope, with analysts noting that any misinterpretation could raise proliferation concerns and affect the U.S. strategic partnership in the region.

As the U.S. and Saudi authorities review the contested provisions, the international community will be watching closely. The clarification process is expected to take several weeks, and until it is resolved, the exact nature of the civilian nuclear programme and its compliance with non‑proliferation norms remain uncertain.