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Trump Links Saudi Nuclear Deal to Israel Recognition, Creating Uncertainty

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia is contingent on the kingdom recognizing Israel.
  • This condition was not mentioned in the deal announced Wednesday, creating uncertainty about its approval.
  • The White House claims Trump had previously communicated this requirement to Saudi Arabia, while experts express doubt about Riyadh changing its long-standing position.

A civilian nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia, announced Wednesday, has been thrown into uncertainty by former President Donald Trump's assertion that its approval hinges on Riyadh recognizing Israel. This condition was notably absent from the initial announcement of the agreement.

the deal "will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords."

— Donald TrumpStating his condition for the approval of the civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.

Trump stated on his Truth Social network that the deal "will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords." This declaration surprised many, given Saudi Arabia's historical stance of insisting on a pathway to a Palestinian state before normalizing relations with Israel.

The president is always the final dealmaker. He has said if they don't join the Abraham Accords, the deal is off.

— Karoline LeavittWhite House Press Secretary, asserting that the condition of recognizing Israel was previously communicated to Saudi Arabia.

The White House, however, maintained that Trump had previously informed Saudi Arabia of this requirement. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, "The president is always the final dealmaker. He has said if they don't join the Abraham Accords, the deal is off." She added that the administration would continue discussions with the Saudis.

Would Saudi decide to do a complete 180 on what it has declared for the past three years, or 30 years? Quite dubious.

— H.A. HellyerSenior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, expressing doubt about Saudi Arabia changing its policy on recognizing Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously described Saudi recognition as a "historic leap" for Middle East peace. However, the implications of Trump's new condition remain unclear. Experts like H.A. Hellyer of the Royal United Services Institute expressed skepticism, suggesting it's "quite dubious" that Saudi Arabia would reverse its decades-long policy. Furthermore, reports of a potential uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, which Trump seemingly quashed by stating there would be "no enrichment of material!", add another layer of complexity to the deal, which will be submitted to Congress for review.

no enrichment of material!

— Donald TrumpResponding to reports about potential uranium enrichment facilities in Saudi Arabia as part of the nuclear deal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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