US and Saudi Arabia Sign 30-Year Civil Nuclear Deal Without Israel Normalization Condition

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a 30-year agreement for cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, with Washington assisting Riyadh in developing a civil nuclear program. Unlike previous US proposals, the deal does not require Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel or adopt stringent international nuclear oversight standards known as the "gold standard."

Under the agreement, American companies will help build nuclear power plants in Saudi Arabia, and a two-year feasibility study will determine if a uranium enrichment facility should be established. If approved, the enrichment plant would be developed under a confidential US mechanism designed to prevent the transfer of sensitive technologies to Saudi Arabia.

The Trump administration asserts the deal ensures the program remains civilian, but nuclear nonproliferation experts warn it sets a dangerous precedent by potentially enabling Saudi Arabia to develop military nuclear capabilities in the future. Concerns are heightened by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's previous statements that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran acquires them.

Israeli officials have expressed worry over the agreement, particularly due to the removal of the normalization requirement with Riyadh. Israeli sources view the deal as undermining Israel's leverage over Saudi Arabia and as further evidence of diminishing Israeli influence with the Trump administration.