Trump Ties Saudi Nuclear Deal to Recognition of Israel in Abraham Accords

Former National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien praised President Donald Trump for making a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia dependent on the nation formally recognizing Israel. The condition to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel did not appear in the initial announcement that revealed U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart had signed onto a multi-billion-dollar energy partnership on Wednesday.

Under the deal, known as a 123 agreement, the Saudis would be permitted to purchase nuclear energy technology from American companies with oversight from U.S. officials. If proven feasible by a study, they could also enrich uranium on Saudi soil.

Middle East experts say the deal risks overturning decades of nonproliferation standards set by U.S. policy. O'Brien, as one of the architects of the Abraham Accords, said there is no better way to ensure peaceful nuclear power than tying it directly to the most significant peace treaty to exist in the Middle East in decades.

However, some experts express skepticism that Saudi Arabia will enter the Abraham Accords without a plan to establish a Palestinian state. Utah Sen. John Curtis told the Deseret News he will analyze the agreement based on how it might impact U.S. national security, American economic interests, and stability in the region.