White House Says Saudi Nuclear Deal ‘Off’ Without Israel Normalization
- 19 hours ago
- 1 min read
WASHINGTON, July 23, Saudi Arabia Breaking News – The White House said on Thursday that the signed civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia would not proceed unless the Kingdom normalizes diplomatic relations with Israel.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt linked the condition to President Donald Trump’s previous calls for Saudi Arabia and other countries to join the Abraham Accords.
“The president is always the final dealmaker, as you know,” Leavitt said. “This is something he has mentioned on numerous occasions.”
Leavitt did not fully explain why the condition was not included before US and Saudi energy officials signed the agreement on Wednesday.
She said Trump would continue discussions with Saudi leaders on normalization but had not spoken with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman since announcing the new condition.
“I don’t believe he’s had a call with MBS in the hours since,” Leavitt said. “However, this is something that he has raised in previous conversations and has also said many times in the past.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel without a clear pathway toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.