Former President Trump states that Saudi Arabia's recognition of Israel is essential for the US-Saudi nuclear agreement, announced after formal approval.
New Delhi, India Jul 23, 2026 ALN: A day after formally approving the deal, US President Donald Trump on Thursday laid down a new condition for the US-Saudi Arabia nuclear agreement — the Gulf kingdom's recognition of Israel. This move adds a complex layer to an already intricate geopolitical landscape, where the interplay between nuclear proliferation, regional alliances, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to evolve.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the deal “will be approved, but is totally subject” to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. This statement underscores Trump's ongoing strategy of linking diplomatic and security arrangements in the Middle East to the recognition of Israel, a stance that has been a hallmark of his administration's foreign policy.
"The Civil Nuclear Deal (There will be no enrichment of material!) being made between the United States Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia, which pertains only to non-military use such as the ones that Iran and UAE (and others) already have, will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords. The United States is not opposed to Civil (Non-Enriched) Nuclear Facilities. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.
This statement raises significant questions about the future of US-Saudi relations, especially considering that Saudi Arabia has made it clear that normalizing relations with Israel would first require the establishment of Palestinian statehood. This demand has been a longstanding position of the Saudi government, reflecting the broader Arab consensus that Palestinian rights must be addressed as a prerequisite for peace with Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister has dismissed this condition, indicating a potentially deepening impasse in negotiations.
Trump's approval of the agreement with Saudi Arabia allows the kingdom to develop its own civilian nuclear program, a significant step that could alter the balance of power in the region. US energy secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart signed the agreement on Wednesday, marking a notable moment in US-Saudi relations.
The deal, known as a 123 agreement, is expected to last 30 years and is also expected to involve US firms in developing the program. This agreement is part of a broader strategy to enhance US influence in the region, particularly in the context of countering Iranian influence, which has been a key concern for both the US and its Gulf allies.
According to a US official, the deal would involve American companies providing technology and expertise to develop the Saudi program, CNN reported. This could potentially lead to a significant transfer of knowledge and technology, raising concerns among some analysts about the implications for nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Additionally, the agreement would also allow Saudi Arabia to enrich its own fuel for civilian reactors. While Trump has assured that there will be no enrichment of material for military purposes, the ability to enrich uranium raises alarms about the potential for a future arms race in a region already rife with tensions.
The agreement includes limits on what inspections might be carried out on the Saudi program, according to US officials and sources. This aspect of the deal has drawn criticism from various quarters, as it may reduce the oversight typically expected in nuclear agreements, thereby increasing the risk of non-compliance with international norms.
The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress for review, a necessary step that could open the deal to scrutiny from lawmakers who may have concerns about the implications for regional stability and nuclear proliferation.
Notably, the Kingdom is not required to sign a standard agreement called the Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which would allow for more monitoring, inspections, and verification, AP reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. This exemption has raised eyebrows among non-proliferation advocates, who argue that such oversight is critical in ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
The Abraham Accords were first pushed by Trump in 2020 and are designed to normalize diplomatic, economic, and security relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The Accords represent a significant shift in the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape, as they marked the first time in decades that Arab countries formally recognized Israel.
Trump in May 2026 had urged Pakistan and West Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Jordan, to join the Abraham Accords and formally recognize Israel as part of a broader diplomatic effort to end the US-Iran conflict. This push reflects a strategic recalibration in the region, where traditional alliances are being reshaped in response to perceived threats, particularly from Iran.
The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were the first to sign the Accords, followed by Morocco and Sudan in 2020. These agreements have been hailed by some as a breakthrough in Middle Eastern diplomacy, potentially paving the way for increased cooperation on economic, security, and technological fronts. However, critics argue that they sidestep the core issue of Palestinian statehood, which remains a central concern for many in the Arab world.
The implications of Trump's latest condition for the Saudi nuclear deal could be profound. By linking the approval of nuclear cooperation to Saudi recognition of Israel, Trump is not only attempting to advance the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab states but also placing additional pressure on Saudi Arabia to navigate the complex landscape of regional politics.
This situation could lead to a variety of outcomes. On one hand, it may foster a new wave of diplomatic engagement in the region, potentially leading to more countries recognizing Israel. On the other hand, it could exacerbate tensions, particularly if Saudi Arabia perceives this condition as an infringement on its sovereignty and a disregard for its longstanding support for Palestinian rights.
As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for all parties involved to consider the broader implications of their actions and the potential consequences for regional stability. The interplay between nuclear agreements, diplomatic recognition, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue to shape the future of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
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