US nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia hinges on Israel normalisation

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation deal on Wednesday, but President Donald Trump immediately threw it into doubt by demanding Riyadh first normalise relations with Israel. The 30-year agreement would transfer US nuclear technology to the kingdom, potentially allowing future enrichment of uranium, sparking proliferation fears across the region.

The deal and its conditions

The deal, signed by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart, allows US companies to build and operate nuclear power plants in Saudi Arabia Source: NPR. However, Trump posted on Truth Social that approval is "totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords" Source: BBC. This contradicted earlier statements that no new conditions existed. Saudi Arabia has long insisted it will not normalise without a credible path to Palestinian statehood Source: Al Jazeera. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down, saying "this is a condition that the president has spoken about many times" Source: SCMP.

Regional and proliferation concerns

Critics warn the deal could trigger a nuclear arms race. The agreement reportedly does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the "gold standard" provisions that forbid enrichment and mandate IAEA inspections—unlike the 2009 US-UAE deal Source: DW. Kelsey Davenport called it "reckless and irresponsible" Source: CNN. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders reacted with alarm; former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman said it risks "pulling the entire Middle East into an escalating nuclear arms race" Source: NPR. Netanyahu's office called Saudi normalisation a "historic leap" but acknowledged the deal's potential to shift regional dynamics Source: CNA. The timing is notable as the US continues its war with Iran, ostensibly to prevent nuclear proliferation Source: Guardian.