Trump says Saudi nuclear pact hinges on kingdom joining Abraham Accords
President Donald Trump announced that the proposed civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia depends on the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords. This condition adds a layer of uncertainty to an energy deal that was unveiled only one day prior.
The White House press secretary stated that the president maintains this position, noting that failure to join the diplomatic pact will result in the deal being called off. This requirement represents a significant shift for Saudi Arabia, which has historically maintained a different stance regarding the normalization of relations with Israel.
Contradictory reports have surrounded the technical details of the agreement. While some media outlets suggested the deal might include provisions for domestic uranium enrichment, Trump clarified his position on social media. He stated that the United States will not support the enrichment of materials under this partnership.
The prospect of domestic uranium enrichment has triggered concern among non-proliferation advocates and lawmakers. Critics argue that such capabilities could increase the risk of a nuclear arms race across the Middle East. The agreement still requires formal approval from the United States Congress before it can proceed.
The International Atomic Energy Agency acknowledged awareness of the plan but confirmed that it has yet to receive a formal request for inspection oversight. As the situation develops, lawmakers in Washington are expected to scrutinize the potential security implications of the deal and the political conditions attached to its approval.