US Submits Civil Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia to Congress, Tied to Israel Normalization

US President Donald Trump has formally submitted a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress for review, according to an official source cited by the Wall Street Journal. The deal, expected to last about 30 years, would allow American companies to play a central role in developing Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure while excluding foreign competitors. However, its implementation is contingent upon Saudi Arabia establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, a condition reiterated by a senior US official to Reuters. The official emphasized that the agreement will only proceed if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords normalization framework.

The agreement has sparked controversy due to concerns that it could enable Riyadh to enrich uranium in the future. The deal was sent to House leaders and is expected to be referred to committees imminently, starting a 90-day window for objections before it can take full effect. If Congress rejects the agreement, President Trump retains the power to veto the decision, which would require a two-thirds congressional majority to override.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on the deal, describing Saudi Arabia as a strategic ally seeking nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. He stressed that the US prefers to collaborate with allies on peaceful nuclear programs to ensure safety guarantees rather than having them pursue such programs with other countries.