Trump Links Saudi Nuclear Deal to Recognising Israel

Thu Sep 24 2026 01:24:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former President Donald Trump says Saudi Arabia must recognize Israel to secure a U.S. civil nuclear agreement, tying the deal to the Abraham Accords.

In a recent post on Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the landmark civil nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia will only proceed if Riyadh joins the Abraham Accords by formally recognizing Israel. The deal, focused on peaceful nuclear development, has sparked debate among experts concerned about nuclear proliferation in the volatile Middle East. Trump highlighted the historic role of the Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, which normalized ties between Israel and several Arab nations, and noted the context of U.S.-Iran tensions over nuclear technology. The announcement follows criticism from academics that the pact could potentially open pathways for future proliferation in an already unstable region. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders closely monitor whether Riyadh will move towards formal recognition of Israel and what that means for regional stability and nuclear governance.

Trump Stresses Saudi Recognition of Israel as Prerequisite for Nuclear Deal

Former U.S. President Donald Trump made the claim on Truth Social, stating that the proposed civil nuclear agreement between America and Saudi Arabia would be approved only if Riyadh recognises the state of Israel.

The proposed deal is designed to support non‑military nuclear applications, and Trump highlighted that it would involve no enrichment of fissile material.

Trump’s remarks come amid concerns from scholars about the potential for nuclear proliferation in a region already fraught with tensions, notably the longstanding U.S.–Iran nuclear standoff.

He underscored the significance of the Abraham Accords, introduced in 2020, which involved the normalisation of relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Additional Arab countries, such as Sudan and Morocco, have since followed suit.

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