Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the peaceful nuclear energy agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is “absolutely contingent” on Riyadh ratifying the Abraham Accords — which would mean formally recognizing the state of Israel. “The nuclear energy for peaceful use deal (…) that is in the final stages between the United States Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia (…) will be approved, but is absolutely contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the highly respected and successful Abraham Accords,” Donald Trump wrote.
Read more: Trump gives nuclear “green light” to Saudi Arabia — the deal that alarms Israel and Congress
Trump seeks to expand the scope of the Abraham Accords
The Trump administration is actively seeking to broaden the reach of the Abraham Accords, having recently urged both Qatar and Saudi Arabia to join the agreement. The Abraham Accords were originally signed in 2020 and led to the normalization of relations between Israel and three Arab nations: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. Trump’s post came just one day after the United States announced its support for the development of a civilian nuclear energy program in Saudi Arabia.
What the US and Saudi Arabia stand to gain
For Saudi Arabia, the development of nuclear energy is a central pillar of Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” plan. Riyadh aims to reduce its domestic consumption of oil and natural gas for electricity generation, freeing up larger volumes of crude oil for export. Nuclear energy could also address the country’s enormous demand for air conditioning and seawater desalination.
For the United States, the benefits are both economic and geopolitical. American companies — with Westinghouse considered one of the primary candidates for reactor construction — could secure billion-dollar contracts. At the same time, Washington is determined to keep Riyadh out of the orbit of rivals such as China and Russia, both of which have expressed interest in participating in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program.
A US-brokered agreement would also give Washington greater oversight and influence over the kingdom’s nuclear activities. The deal is expected to be submitted to Congress under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act. American lawmakers will have approximately 90 days of congressional session to review the text and attempt to block it.
