Trump shares limits on nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia amid criticism and unanswered questions

WASHINGTON —

President Donald Trump announced that the United States has reached a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, describing it as a civil deal that prohibits the kingdom from enriching uranium.

Details of the agreement have not yet been released, but in a post on TruthSocial, Trump stated that the deal focuses on the non-military use of nuclear energy, similar to agreements with the United Arab Emirates and previously with Iran.

He also said that as a condition of the deal, Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Muslim-majority countries.

“The United States is not opposed to Civil (Non-Enriched) Nuclear Facilities,” he said.

Non-proliferation experts have raised concerns that the deal might lack sufficient safeguards to prevent Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium in the future. The issue is particularly sensitive as the U.S. is currently at war with Iran over its nuclear program.

The White House faced questions about the safeguards and inspections that would be included in the agreement, as well as why Saudi Arabia is being offered a nuclear deal while Iran is not. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt provided limited details, saying, “Well, again, this agreement is still being worked out. It will eventually hopefully be finalized with the condition that the president spoke about this morning. But this agreement in particular, as it’s been discussed thus far, does give priority access for American companies in the Saudi nuclear energy program, which will ultimately benefit American industry workers and supply chains.”

Some family members of 9/11 victims, who are suing Saudi Arabia for its alleged involvement in the 2001 terror attacks, criticized the nuclear deal, calling it “highly offensive.”

In a statement provided to Hearst Television, the group 9/11 Justice wrote, “it is inconceivable that instead of being held accountable in the weeks leading up to the historic 25th anniversary of these attacks the Kingdom instead is being unduly rewarded. No justice. No deals.”

The White House did not directly respond to questions on this matter.

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