Trump Drops "Israel Normalization" Demand in Saudi Nuclear Talks

 

The United States is no longer conditioning civil nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia on the kingdom recognizing Israel, Reuters reports. The shift marks a major policy reversal and raises concerns in Jerusalem and on Capitol Hill.

During President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Riyadh, a centerpiece of the discussions will be a framework for civil nuclear development in the kingdom. But unlike in prior negotiations under both Trump’s and Biden’s previous terms, normalization with Israel is no longer on the table as a prerequisite.

Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the talks, said the move reflects Riyadh’s firm stance: no diplomatic ties with Israel without a pathway to Palestinian statehood. That condition has only hardened as the war in Gaza continues to inflame public opinion in the Arab world.

Senator Lindsey Graham pushed back, writing on X: “I will not support any defense agreement with Saudi Arabia that doesn’t include recognition of Israel.”

Despite the loosened conditions, a deal remains elusive. Saudi Arabia refuses to sign a Section 123 Agreement — a standard U.S. non-proliferation requirement that would bar the kingdom from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent fuel, two potential paths to nuclear weapons.

One workaround reportedly under discussion is a “black box” arrangement, where only U.S. personnel would control enrichment technology on Saudi soil.

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official told families of Israeli hostages this week that the window for Israeli involvement in a broader regional pact is rapidly closing.

“If Israel doesn’t come to its senses,” the official said, “the price of missing out will be higher than ever before. The Deal of the Millennium will be finalized without them.”

The warning, reported by Israel’s Channel 12, rattled families who fear that American leverage over Hamas and regional actors may wane if Washington sidelines Jerusalem to close other strategic deals.

The urgency is driven in part by economic incentives. Saudi Arabia wants nuclear power to free up oil for export, while Trump is urging the kingdom to finalize a U.S. investment package of up to $1 trillion. In return, Riyadh could receive over $100 billion in American arms.

Also looming: Iran. Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters that U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are “so far, so good,” as Washington tries to contain Tehran’s uranium enrichment and reintroduce Iran to the global economy — another variable that could reshape the Middle East power balance.

As for Israel, one senior negotiator said bluntly: “The train is already moving. Whether Jerusalem gets on is up to them.”