White House Links Saudi Nuclear Deal to Israel Normalization

The White House announced on Thursday that a landmark nuclear agreement providing American technology and expertise for Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear energy program is contingent upon Riyadh establishing diplomatic relations with Israel and joining the Abraham Accords. This requirement marks a shift from a previous announcement made on Wednesday, which did not publicly link the nuclear deal to the normalization of Saudi-Israeli relations.

Saudi Arabia has consistently maintained that it will not recognize Israel without progress toward the creation of a Palestinian state. The agreement currently faces scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and nonproliferation experts, as reports indicate it does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol. Critics argue this omission could allow the Kingdom to enrich uranium.

The deal must still undergo a congressional review. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration will continue discussions with Saudi counterparts to finalize the agreement and facilitate their entry into the Abraham Accords.