Trump says Saudi nuclear deal contingent on recognising Israel
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia is contingent upon the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords and recognizing Israel. This announcement follows a recent agreement between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia regarding nuclear cooperation.
Why it matters
This links nuclear proliferation policy directly to Middle Eastern diplomatic normalization, significantly impacting regional geopolitical stability.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday (July 23, 2026) that a nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia was "totally subject" to Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords recognising Israel.
Washington brokered the Abraham Accords during Mr. Trump's first term, seeking to build bridges between Israel and the Arab world.
The deal to establish a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia "will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords," Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
Saudi Arabia was engaged in tentative talks on normalizing ties with Israel in 2023, but abruptly pulled out as the Gaza war erupted.
It has said it would not recognize Israel without an independent Palestinian state.
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