U.S. Drops Israel Normalization Tie to Saudi Nuclear Deal

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MAY 9

Above: Marco Rubio (R) with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud at the State Department in Washington, DC, on April 9, 2025. Image copyright: Brendan Smialowski/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

story last updated MAY 10

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

The Trump administration's decoupling of nuclear cooperation from Israeli normalization represents a pragmatic approach to advancing U.S. regional strategic interests. This shift allows for critical energy partnerships while maintaining nonproliferation safeguards through innovative solutions like the 'black box' model. The deal could secure significant economic benefits through arms sales and investments while strengthening U.S. regional influence.

Al Arabiya Reuters

Anti-Trump narrative

This policy reversal undermines regional stability and security by potentially enabling Saudi nuclear capabilities without adequate safeguards. The kingdom's past statements about pursuing nuclear weapons if Iran does so raise serious proliferation concerns. Trump's aim of removing the normalization obligation also weakens the strategic position of key U.S. ally Israel and could embolden regional adversaries, led by the Iranian regime.

Jerusalem Post Responsible Statecraft

Narrative C

This major policy shift marks a significant political and geostrategic success for Riyadh. With Gaza destroyed and Saudis overwhelmingly hostile to Israel's policies, any normalization would jeopardize the kingdom's national security, its de-escalation strategy, and undermine its Vision 2030. A civil nuclear energy deal will allow Riyadh to create the necessary infrastructure and expertise to further bolster its regional and global stance.

Middle East Monitor War on the Rocks