Trump Links Saudi Nuclear Deal to Abraham Accords

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords before the United States can advance a civilian nuclear agreement with the kingdom. This requirement was a known condition in negotiations.

Addressing concerns on whether a new condition was added, Trump denied that anyone had gotten ahead of him. He stated that for the U.S. to finalize the deal, Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Abraham Accords is necessary.

“No, nobody got out ahead. I mean, I just say that in order to do it, they have to be a member of the Abraham Accords, which have been very successful. But it’s time now that they do it,” Trump explained.

During an event in the Oval Office, Trump highlighted the importance of expanding the deployment of both large and smaller nuclear reactors. He views nuclear power as a significant component for data centers and economic growth.

When questioned whether Energy Secretary Chris Wright had authorization to sign the agreement, Trump reiterated the necessity of the Abraham Accords condition. He stated that the deal could not proceed without Saudi Arabia’s involvement.

“Well, we didn’t talk about it, but it was always understood. And Chris knew and Saudi Arabia knew that if they joined the Abraham Accords, the deal is not, I’m not going to do the deal,” Trump clarified.

Trump stressed that any agreement with Saudi Arabia would only encompass civilian nuclear energy. He emphasized the absence of an enrichment process.

“They’ll join and they’ll do their civil. It’s really, it’s civil nuclear. But that’s what it is. No enrichment. It’s civil nuclear,” Trump said.

The remarks were made during an Oval Office occasion celebrating advancements in nuclear energy. By July Fourth, four privately funded reactor companies had met Trump’s objectives for launching new reactor designs.

The administration deemed this achievement a significant milestone for civilian nuclear energy, highlighting a revival of nuclear power in the United States.

The White House did not respond immediately to requests for further comment.