The White House denied on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked U.S. President Donald Trump to condition a future nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia on the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the administration rejected the claim when asked if Netanyahu influenced the diplomatic requirements for the pact.
Trump Outlines Conditions for Saudi Nuclear Pact
The denial follows announcements regarding regional diplomacy and energy development. While Washington disclosed a signed pact with Riyadh for developing a Saudi nuclear program earlier in the week, President Trump stated on Thursday that negotiators are still finalizing details. According to the White House, the agreement will not include uranium enrichment and remains strictly contingent on Saudi Arabia establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. “The president is always the one who takes the final decision on the agreements,” Leavitt said, adding that Trump has repeatedly noted the pact will be scrapped if Riyadh refuses to join the Abraham Accords.
Did You Know?
The Abraham Accords are agreements to normalize relations with Israel.
Netanyahu Welcomes Regional Normalization Prospects
Shortly after Trump’s public statements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described potential normalization with Riyadh as a historic breakthrough. According to Netanyahu, formal ties with Saudi Arabia would constitute an “historic advance for peace in the Middle East.” Despite this optimism, Riyadh has consistently maintained that normalization will only proceed if there is a credible pathway toward establishing a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Leavitt confirmed that the White House has no record of a direct call between Trump and Mohammed bin Salman following the president’s remarks on the accords.
Congressional Review Amid Regional Tensions
The nuclear pact signed on Wednesday requires formal ratification by the U.S. Congress. The agreement arrives amid heightened friction with Iran, a primary regional rival to Saudi Arabia. Washington continues efforts to limit Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, while the Iranian government denies seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Compounding these security concerns, President Trump issued a warning on Thursday threatening strong military punishment against Iran and its Yemeni Houthi allies following recent rebel attacks targeting Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement allow uranium enrichment?
No. According to statements from President Donald Trump and White House officials, the proposed nuclear agreement does not include uranium enrichment capabilities.
What is required for the Saudi nuclear pact to move forward?
The White House confirmed that the agreement is entirely conditioned on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel. Additionally, the pact signed on Wednesday requires ratification by the U.S. Congress.
What is Saudi Arabia’s stance on normalizing relations with Israel?
Riyadh has maintained that formal diplomatic ties with Israel will only happen when a credible pathway toward the establishment of a Palestinian state is created.
What are your thoughts on these diplomatic developments? Share your perspective in the comments below, explore our related coverage on Middle Eastern geopolitics, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest breaking news updates.