WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has submitted a classified agreement to Congress that pertains to the enhancement of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program. This development comes with a significant caveat: the agreement will not progress unless Saudi Arabia normalizes its relations with Israel, as stated by a Trump administration official.
The agreement, which was signed last month in Washington by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart, was officially submitted to Capitol Hill on Monday in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act. This legal requirement mandates that Congress reviews such agreements, allowing for a period of 90 days during which they can evaluate the document and potentially express disapproval through a joint resolution.
While the administration has not disclosed the specifics of the classified document, Trump’s insistence on linking the nuclear agreement to Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Abraham Accords raises questions about its viability. The Accords, which were established in 2020, have facilitated the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, significantly altering the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
The Saudi government reportedly expressed surprise at Trump’s announcement, which ties the completion of the nuclear deal to Riyadh’s acceptance of the Accords. This linkage complicates the approval process, as the Saudis have articulated that any normalization with Israel must first involve a clear path towards Palestinian statehood, a condition that has been met with resistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who deems such a state untenable for Israel’s security.
Critics of the proposed nuclear agreement have raised concerns regarding the potential for it to enable Saudi Arabia to pursue uranium enrichment, thereby increasing risks of nuclear proliferation in a volatile region. Historically, the U.S. has been cautious in its dealings with nations seeking to develop nuclear capabilities, particularly those with complex geopolitical relationships.
If approved, the agreement is expected to last for 30 years and is likely to involve collaborations with U.S. firms in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program following a joint study between the two nations. The formal submission of the agreement for congressional review was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations and nuclear policy.
As this situation unfolds, the implications of the agreement and Trump’s demands will be closely monitored by lawmakers, analysts, and international observers, all of whom are keenly aware of the delicate balance of power in the Middle East.
