Trump places new condition on signed Saudi nuclear deal, says country must join Abraham Accords
Trump Places New Condition on Signed Saudi Nuclear Deal
Goldlaner.com – President Donald Trump has introduced an additional requirement to the nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that was already finalized. In a Thursday announcement via social media, the president stated that Riyadh must join the Abraham Accords for the deal to receive his final approval. While the nuclear pact has been signed by both countries, Trump made clear that his endorsement depends on Saudi diplomatic normalization with Israel.
Abraham Accords Requirement Added
The president’s social media post explained that the agreement would be approved once Saudi Arabia participates in what he called “the very respected and successful Abraham Accords.” This new development followed the signing ceremony on Wednesday between Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart, which established the framework for Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program.
Trump also clarified his position on nuclear enrichment during the announcement. Although the agreement could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich fuel for civilian reactors, the president emphasized there would be “no enrichment” under the current terms. This statement addressed ongoing questions about the scope of Saudi nuclear capabilities.
The president is always the final dealmaker, and the agreement is off unless Saudi Arabia normalizes diplomatic relations with Israel.
White House Confirms Suspended Status
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt supported Trump’s stance on Thursday, highlighting the president’s authority over international agreements. Leavitt confirmed the deal remains suspended until Saudi Arabia commits to the Abraham Accords. She added that while Trump continues discussions with Saudi leadership about normalization, he has not yet spoken with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since announcing the new requirement.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been clear about his conditions, stating Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without a clear path toward Palestinian statehood. Leavitt noted that although no recent call occurred between Trump and MBS, the president had raised this issue in previous conversations and reiterated it several times.
Negotiation Details and Precedents
According to sources familiar with the talks, the nuclear agreement contains several key provisions. Before uranium enrichment begins, a joint American-Saudi team will assess whether enrichment is necessary and commercially viable. American contractors will build the enrichment facility while keeping the most sensitive technologies from being transferred to Saudi Arabia.
The deal also outlines specific inspection procedures for Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program. Unlike the United Arab Emirates, which signed what officials termed a “gold standard” nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States in 2009, Saudi Arabia is not required to adopt the Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency. This difference marks a significant distinction in international oversight between the two nations.
Historical Background and Political Shifts
Saudi Arabia has traditionally resisted joining the Abraham Accords, an initiative launched during Trump’s first presidential term and expanded during his second term to strengthen diplomatic ties between Israel and Middle Eastern countries. A source familiar with diplomatic discussions, who asked to remain anonymous, explained that normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel has long been a prerequisite for Washington’s nuclear cooperation with Riyadh.
This requirement persisted through the Biden administration, but conditions changed after Israel’s military response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The source noted that Israel’s actions made normalization “untenable” for Saudi leadership, leading Biden-era negotiators to pursue a “less-for-less” approach to the nuclear agreement. Trump’s recent announcement signals a return to the more conventional conditions that defined earlier negotiations.
The timing of Trump’s announcement caught the administration’s nuclear negotiating team by surprise, according to two sources briefed on the matter. CNN has reached out to both the Saudi embassy and the White House to clarify whether the signed agreement remains valid under the new conditions.
