Recognise Israel: Trump sets condition after US-Saudi nuclear deal

Trump's Demand Over Saudi Nuclear Deal

Former US President Donald Trump has set a major condition following reports that the United States and Saudi Arabia have finalised a landmark civilian nuclear agreement. Trump stated that Riyadh must formally recognise Israel as part of any such deal.

The statement comes after multiple outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, reported that the Trump administration had approved a sweeping nuclear cooperation pact with the kingdom. The deal is seen as a significant diplomatic win for Saudi Arabia, granting it access to US nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Recognition of Israel as a Sticking Point

Trump's demand adds a new layer of complexity to the already delicate negotiations. The former president, who brokered the Abraham Accords during his tenure, has long pushed for broader Arab recognition of Israel. His latest remarks suggest that any nuclear partnership must come with a political price.

“Saudis must recognise Israel for nuclear deal,” Trump said, according to BBC reports. The comment underscores the intertwined nature of regional security and energy diplomacy in the Middle East.

Regional Reaction and Concerns

The announcement has drawn sharp reactions from Israel. Israeli officials have expressed fear that a Saudi nuclear program, even if civilian, could ignite a regional arms race. Reuters reported that Israeli leaders are concerned about the precedent it sets for other Middle Eastern nations.

Iran, which already has an established nuclear program, remains a key factor. The deal could shift the balance of power in a region where nuclear capabilities are a sensitive and strategic issue. Al Jazeera has noted that several Middle Eastern nations already have nuclear programmes, raising questions about how this deal will be monitored.

What the Deal Entails

The US-Saudi agreement reportedly includes strict non-proliferation safeguards. However, critics argue that it does not require Saudi Arabia to forgo enrichment or reprocessing capabilities, a key concern for non-proliferation advocates. The White House has not yet commented on the specifics of the deal or Trump's condition.

Officials have not confirmed whether the deal is final or subject to further negotiation. The development marks a major shift in US foreign policy toward the Gulf region.

What happens next remains unclear. The deal is likely to face scrutiny from Congress and from allies in the region. All eyes will be on Riyadh's response to Trump's demand and whether the agreement moves forward without that condition.