US Sends Civil Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia to Congress, Ties It to Normalization With Israel

The Trump administration has forwarded the civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to the US Congress, stipulating that the deal will only advance if Riyadh recognizes Israel and joins the Abraham Accords. The agreement, signed on July 22 by the energy ministers of both countries, provides a legal framework for American involvement in developing Saudi Arabia's nuclear industry but raises concerns about potential uranium enrichment in the future.

Simultaneously, the US signals it does not plan to initiate a new round of military strikes against Iran at this stage. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Washington's allies that the strategy is shifting from military action to sustained economic pressure, including a new sanctions regime announced by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin targeting over 60 entities and individuals. This policy is expected to remain in place at least until after the November midterm elections.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the US claims that the removal of naval mines and increased tanker traffic through the southern route have significantly reduced Tehran's leverage, asserting American control over the strait. Meanwhile, talks between Iran and Oman continue about establishing a temporary corridor and clearing mines. Tehran emphasizes that the strait will remain closed as long as the war continues and that reopening depends on lifting the blockade and ending hostilities on all fronts.