Trump places new condition on signed Saudi nuclear deal, says country must join Abraham Accords

President Donald Trump has introduced a significant new requirement for the recently signed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. One day after the deal was formally approved, the president announced on social media that the agreement is now conditioned on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart finalized the initial pact on Wednesday. This agreement establishes a framework for a civilian nuclear program within the kingdom. The deal has already faced criticism from Israeli officials and is expected to undergo review by lawmakers in Washington.

Key provisions of the current agreement include plans for a joint United States and Saudi team to assess the feasibility of uranium enrichment. The proposal dictates that American personnel would construct any necessary facilities, ensuring sensitive technology remains under control. Unlike previous nuclear deals with regional partners, this agreement does not explicitly require Saudi Arabia to sign the Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Historically, linking nuclear cooperation to diplomatic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel was a standard requirement in Washington. However, this policy shifted during the recent period following the events of October 7, 2023, when regional tensions made such normalization difficult to pursue. Negotiators had previously moved toward a model that required fewer commitments from the kingdom in exchange for the nuclear pact.

It remains to be seen how this new condition will affect the status of the signed document or the diplomatic timeline moving forward. The White House has not yet clarified whether the project is currently on hold pending Saudi Arabia’s decision regarding the Abraham Accords.