Trump Claims Saudi Nuclear Deal Excludes Uranium Enrichment, Requires Israel Normalization

President Trump claimed on Thursday that the new nuclear deal signed between the US and Saudi Arabia will exclude uranium enrichment and requires the kingdom to normalize its relations with Israel. This statement comes in response to criticisms that the deal could lead to nuclear enrichment and that the US gave up leverage to push for a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The deal, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, stipulates that American companies will help Saudi Arabia develop its civilian nuclear program. However, according to The Wall Street Journal, the agreement also includes a joint US-Saudi study on possible future uranium enrichment in the country.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump has made it clear to Gulf country leaders that he wants them to sign on to the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. Leavitt also said that the deal with Saudi Arabia is contingent on this condition and that Trump has raised this issue with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the past.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was notified of a plan to carry out verification measures tied to the bilateral agreement and looks forward to receiving the request for such verification. The IAEA also added that Saudi Arabia should sign a safeguards agreement with the agency.