Trump Links Saudi Arabia's Acquisition of Civilian Nuclear Program to Normalization Agreements and Threatens the Houthis

SadaNews - On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump linked Saudi Arabia's acquisition of a civilian nuclear program to its engagement in the Abraham Accords, referencing normalization with Israel.

Trump stated in a tweet on his Truth Social platform that the nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia would be approved but was contingent on the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords.

He noted that the nuclear agreement being formed between the U.S. Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia would receive approval.

He wrote in his post: "The civilian nuclear agreement (there will be no enrichment of materials!) signed between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which relates only to non-military uses similar to those already present in Iran, the United Arab Emirates (and others), will be approved, but it is fully conditioned on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's joining the respected and successful Abraham Accords. The U.S. does not oppose civilian (non-enriched) nuclear facilities."

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: "Nuclear cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia and other countries will include protective and oversight mechanisms, which will be adjusted according to the circumstances of each agreement."

According to Channel 12, the agreement presented to Congress never included a condition for normalization with Israel.

Hebrew media reported yesterday that Israeli security agencies are concerned about the agreement between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, especially as it accelerates the nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

They were taken aback in Israel by this step, which turned out to have not been previously communicated to Tel Aviv.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a historic agreement that is said to allow the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear program.

The U.S. Department of Energy described the agreement as a "peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement" that will provide "broad opportunities for American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy program."

In a related context, Trump tweeted that the U.S. would hold Iran accountable for the Houthis' attacks after they returned to their actions and opened fire on two Saudi vessels last night.

He added: We will consider the Houthis as agents or representatives of Iran if they repeat their attacks.

He continued: A significant military punishment will be imposed on Iran and the Houthis if these attacks are repeated.