Saudi must recognise Israel, says Trump
US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia must establish diplomatic relations with Israel before Washington moves ahead with a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with the kingdom.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump said the proposed nuclear partnership remains linked to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, the US-backed agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states.
Trump dismissed suggestions that the US Department of Energy had announced the nuclear deal without the Israel-related condition. He said there had been no misunderstanding within his administration and insisted the requirement had always been part of the discussions.
“I have always said that Saudi Arabia must become part of the Abraham Accords for the deal to move forward,” Trump told reporters, adding that the accords had been successful and that the time had come for Riyadh to join them.
The latest remarks came just days after the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a framework for cooperation on a civilian nuclear programme. While the initial announcement focused on energy cooperation and economic benefits, Trump later clarified that the agreement would only proceed if Saudi Arabia formally normalized ties with Israel.
Saudi Arabia has not officially responded to Trump’s latest comments. However, the kingdom has consistently maintained that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until meaningful progress is made toward the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Israeli leaders have repeatedly rejected international calls for a Palestinian state under current conditions.
The proposed agreement is expected to create a long-term partnership between the two countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It would involve the transfer of American technology, technical expertise and investment aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme.
Trump also rejected reports suggesting the agreement would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically. He stressed that no uranium enrichment would be permitted under the arrangement.
US officials have argued that the partnership is designed to strengthen bilateral relations while ensuring strict oversight of nuclear activities. They say American companies will play a central role in developing the programme, allowing Washington to maintain close monitoring and prevent nuclear proliferation.