Trump Approves Saudi Nuclear Deal with Israel Ties Condition

The Trump administration has approved a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, contingent upon the kingdom normalizing relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. According to multiple reports, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the pact.

President Donald Trump announced on social media that the deal will be approved but is subject to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations. The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress for review, where it may face significant opposition from lawmakers concerned about nuclear proliferation.

The deal allows American companies priority access to supply nuclear reactors and fuel to the Saudi nuclear energy program. However, it does not include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) “Additional Protocol,” raising concerns among non-proliferation experts about potential weapons development. The agreement also lacks 'Gold Standard' provisions that would prohibit uranium enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear fuel, both pathways to nuclear weapons.

This deal comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump warned he would target a bridge or power plant for every commercial vessel Iran fires upon in the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the strait has disrupted global energy trade, while ongoing strikes by both sides continue to target civilian infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has long sought a civilian nuclear program as part of plans to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. However, concerns persist about Saudi intentions, especially given past statements that it would need a nuclear weapon if Iran acquired one. The U.S. also feared Riyadh might seek nuclear technology elsewhere if the U.S. did not provide what it wanted.

The agreement has drawn mixed support in Congress, with some Republicans joining Democrats in skepticism and Israeli officials outright opposing the deal over fears of Saudi nuclear weaponization. The expected announcement follows previous attempts by both Trump and former President Joe Biden to reach a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia.

These agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said