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The US-Saudi nuclear deal signals a Middle East betting on deterrence
['Mohamad Elmasry', 'Mohamad Elmasry Is Professor Of Media Studies At The Doha Institute For Graduate Studies.', 'Ahmed Altuwaijri', 'Seyed Hossein Mousavian', 'Joseph Massad']
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Trump's Truth Social post stated that the nuclear deal would prohibit uranium enrichment and require Saudi Arabia to normalise relations with Israel.
Strategic interestsIn the end, Israeli objections notwithstanding, both Washington and Riyadh have compelling reasons to move forward with the nuclear deal.
The prospect of a Saudi nuclear deal, combined with Iran's strengthened bargaining position, could lead Tehran to demand more favourable enrichment and monitoring terms in any future nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration.
According to reporting, the US-Saudi deal could eventually allow Saudi Arabia to pursue domestic uranium enrichment.
For Saudi Arabia, such a deterrent may be viewed primarily as protection against Iran.