Trump Ties Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia to Israel Normalization

US President Donald Trump has submitted a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress for review. The deal, which would give American companies a central role in developing Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear infrastructure, is contingent on Riyadh normalizing relations with Israel. According to the report, the administration official stated that 'The president's position has not changed: the agreement will only move forward if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords.'

The agreement has drawn scrutiny due to concerns over uranium enrichment on Saudi territory. Under the deal, a two-year study would be conducted by US and Saudi officials to determine whether domestic enrichment is justified. If the study concludes that enrichment is viable, US companies would construct a facility under arrangements designed to prevent sensitive nuclear technology from being transferred to Saudi Arabia.

Trump administration officials argue that US involvement would ensure the program remains peaceful, while critics warn that allowing enrichment in Saudi Arabia could encourage the spread of sensitive nuclear technology in the Middle East. Andrea Stricker of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies stated that Congress should oppose an agreement that allows uranium enrichment on Saudi soil.