President Donald Trump announced that Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords before any civilian nuclear agreement with the United States can proceed. This requirement was a known factor during negotiations. When questioned about adding new conditions after Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlighted progress on a Saudi nuclear deal, Trump dismissed the idea that anyone was ahead of him.
“Nobody got out ahead. In order to proceed, Saudi Arabia must be a member of the Abraham Accords, which have proven successful. It’s time for them to do it,” Trump stated.
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Trump spoke in the Oval Office, emphasizing his administration’s goal of expanding large and small nuclear reactors following executive orders prioritizing nuclear power for data centers and economic growth.
Later, Trump clarified that the condition was always understood. “We didn’t discuss it explicitly, but it was understood. Chris and Saudi Arabia knew joining the Abraham Accords was essential for the deal,” Trump said.
When asked about Wright signing the agreement despite this condition, Trump reaffirmed the necessity of Congress’s approval and Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Accords for the deal to proceed.
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“They understood that, subject to Congress and all else, to finalize the deal, they had to join the Abraham Accords,” Trump said. “We believe the Accords promote peace in the Middle East.”
Trump pointed out a shift in regional security with Iran’s diminished military capabilities. “There’s no Iran factor, no longer a threat. Their capabilities are severely reduced,” he stated.
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Trump emphasized that any deal with Saudi Arabia would focus on civilian nuclear energy only. “They’ll join, and it’s civil nuclear energy—no enrichment, strictly civil nuclear,” he noted.
The comments were made during an Oval Office event marking a milestone in advanced nuclear energy after four companies met Trump’s target of introducing new reactor designs by July 4th. Trump praised this “historic milestone for civilian nuclear energy” and a “renaissance of nuclear power in America.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for further comments, but they did not immediately respond.
Jasmine Baehr is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, reporting on politics, military affairs, legal issues, and cultural matters.