Trump says ‘nobody got out ahead’ on Saudi nuclear deal despite Abraham Accords twist
President Trump stated on Friday that he maintains full control over the U.S. and Saudi Arabia nuclear negotiations. He pushed back against reports that he was caught off guard by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s recent announcement regarding the agreement. Trump emphasized that any final deal remains contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, serve as a centerpiece of Trump’s foreign policy legacy. During an event in the Oval Office, the president insisted that Saudi participation is a necessary step for future progress. He dismissed concerns that the proposed terms grant Saudi Arabia prohibited uranium enrichment capabilities, describing the initiative strictly as civil nuclear development.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated that the kingdom requires movement on a Palestinian state before formalizing relations with Israel. While this remains a significant hurdle given the current political climate in Israel, Trump expressed confidence that regional threats are shifting. He argued that the reduction of threats from Iran makes the timing right for the Saudis to integrate into the existing framework of agreements.
Trump’s comments clarified his administration's position on the deal's structure and the expected timeline for Saudi involvement. He maintained that no one has moved faster or further than his office on this agreement, despite public speculation regarding internal coordination.