Is the US-Saudi nuclear deal on, or in limbo? - Al Jazeera

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that a newly agreed United States-Saudi Arabia nuclear cooperation deal has been thrown into uncertainty after US President Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia must first normalise relations with Israel. The agreement, announced as a framework for a civilian nuclear programme in the kingdom, would transfer US technology and expertise to help Riyadh generate nuclear power, reduce domestic use of oil and gas, and support rising electricity demand, including from data centres.

According to the report, the deal is expected to run for 30 years, but its full text has not been released. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy described it as a step toward diversifying energy sources and expanding cooperation and investment. Trump said the arrangement would be limited to nonmilitary purposes. Media reports cited by Al Jazeera suggest the deal could include a US-built uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, though Trump’s later comments indicated enrichment inside the kingdom may not be guaranteed.

The agreement must still be submitted to the US Congress for review. Trump’s added condition complicates that process because Riyadh has long said it will not establish formal ties with Israel without a clear path to Palestinian statehood, a position opposed by Israel’s current government. Al Jazeera cited analysts who said the demand could undermine the agreement or leave it in diplomatic limbo.

The report also notes unresolved questions over nuclear fuel, safeguards and international oversight, including Saudi Arabia’s reported lack of agreement to the IAEA additional protocol. If the US path stalls, analysts told Al Jazeera that Saudi Arabia could seek nuclear cooperation from other countries, including China, Russia, South Korea, the UAE or France.