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US President Donald Trump has said a planned civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia is linked to Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords, a move that would involve establishing formal relations with Israel.
News Desk
File Photo / BBC
Trump said the agreement, which he described as being limited to peaceful civilian nuclear use, would proceed only if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords.
However, the full details of the US-Saudi nuclear agreement have not been made public, and it remains unclear whether such a condition is included in the formal agreement. Saudi Arabia has not publicly responded to Trump's remarks.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had previously raised the issue with Saudi officials, stating that the agreement would not move forward if Saudi Arabia does not join the accords.
The proposed nuclear cooperation deal has drawn international attention, with some experts and lawmakers raising concerns about nuclear safeguards and the possibility of wider regional implications.
The US Department of Energy said the agreement focuses on peaceful nuclear cooperation and includes safeguards measures aimed at supporting non-proliferation. The agreement is expected to undergo review by the US Congress.
The
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was aware of plans for a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia and would work with both countries on verification measures if requested.
Saudi Arabia has been developing plans for a civilian nuclear energy programme as part of efforts to diversify its energy sector. The issue has become part of wider regional diplomatic discussions involving security, energy and relations between Middle Eastern countries.
