Trump says Saudi nuclear deal contingent on recognising Israel

RIYADH: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a deal with Saudi Arabia to establish a civilian nuclear programme would be contingent on the kingdom’s recognition of Israel, a move long sought by Washington but resisted by Riyadh.

The announcements came as the United States fights a war with Iran that began in large part over concerns about Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said recognition by Saudi Arabia, a regional power and home to Islam’s holiest sites, would mark a “historic leap” forward for peace in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia has resisted a concerted push by the US to join the so-called Abraham Accords with Israel, insisting on a pathway to a Palestinian state before it offers recognition.

The deal announced Wednesday to establish a civilian nuclear programme in the Gulf kingdom “will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords”, Trump said.

Should it go through, the deal would generate billions of dollars for American companies and would be a major win for Saudi Arabia on both the economic and diplomatic fronts.