Trump Blocks Saudi Nuclear Deal Over Normalization Requirement

A civilian nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia was signed just over two decades in the making, but it fell apart less than 24 hours later. Energy Secretary Chris Wright had announced the deal at a Washington event on Wednesday afternoon, with American and Saudi flags placed on stage.

The Saudis had won much of their wish list for the deal, which included permitting uranium enrichment on Saudi soil once certain conditions were met while limiting a UN watchdog agency's ability to inspect suspected covert nuclear sites. However, Trump expressed frustration over the unveiling of the deal, saying in a social media post that it was subject to a new condition: Saudi Arabia would have to join the Abraham Accords.

The president also denied that the agreement would allow uranium enrichment. White House officials pointed the finger at their colleagues at the Energy Department, who they claimed had gone ahead with the announcement without their knowledge or approval.