A proposed US nuclear deal for Saudi Arabia, conditioned on recognizing Israel, could create a unique opportunity for China and Pakistan, according to retired Lieutenant General Tariq Khan, a former commander of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps. Khan made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera, as reported on July 25, 2026.

US President Donald Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords for the deal to take effect. The accords, reached during Trump’s first term, saw several Arab countries normalize relations with Israel. Khan said Trump had suddenly linked the proposed Saudi nuclear agreement to the Abraham Accords.

Khan said Beijing could offer nuclear energy cooperation to both Saudi Arabia and Iran without political conditions, creating an opportunity for Pakistan to play a diplomatic role. He cautioned that Islamabad may ultimately have to align either with Iran and China or with Saudi Arabia and the United States. Whichever side Pakistan chooses, he said, possible rejection or growing distance from the other side could be difficult and damaging for Islamabad.