Trump Sends Saudi Civil Nuclear Deal to Congress, Tied to Israel Normalization

US President Donald Trump has submitted a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, conditioning its implementation on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords and recognizing the State of Israel. The agreement, signed last month, allows for the development of commercial nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia and permits American companies to assist in building nuclear power plants over a 30-year period. A US administration official told Reuters that Trump continues to require Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic normalization with Israel as a prerequisite for the deal’s activation.

Under the agreement, Congress has 90 legislative days to review the deal before it takes effect. The project includes a two-year economic feasibility study on establishing a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. Should such a facility be approved, it would be developed by the US under a confidential mechanism designed to prevent the transfer of sensitive technologies to the Saudis.

Trump previously emphasized that the civilian nuclear deal is strictly for non-military use, similar to agreements with Iran, the UAE, and other countries, and that US approval depends entirely on Saudi Arabia joining the successful Abraham Accords. While the Trump administration asserts the deal ensures a civilian-only nuclear program, nonproliferation experts warn it sets a risky precedent by potentially opening the door for Saudi Arabia to develop military nuclear capabilities in the future. Concerns are heightened by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s past statements that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran acquires them.