Families affected by the 9/11 attacks are ready to take a stand against Saudi Arabia’s plans to establish civilian nuclear reactors, which currently have the approval of the Trump administration.
Terry Strada, chair of 9/11 Families United, expressed frustration, questioning how the U.S. could support a country that played a role in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people without any accountability. “They’re not trustworthy. They’re not honest brokers,” she told The Post, rejecting Saudi claims regarding their nuclear ambitions.
The advocates aim to leverage the approval process for this nuclear agreement—potentially worth billions and involving U.S. firms working with Saudi Arabia—to push the government there to acknowledge what they allege is involvement in the September 11, 2001, events.
This pressure campaign coincides with efforts by senators who are urging the White House to disclose hidden “side agreements” related to the civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia. Congress has the option to challenge this through a joint resolution of disapproval.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who has long sought the declassification of documents concerning Saudi Arabia’s role in 9/11, recently stated he would oppose the nuclear agreement or at least question it until the claims from victims’ families are properly addressed.
A coalition of 9/11 victims’ families has been pursuing legal action against Saudi Arabia, seeking both punitive and compensatory damages that could amount to billions, especially following the passing of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. It’s worth noting that 15 of the hijackers involved in 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia.
This week, a group of bipartisan senators has also urged the White House to unveil the “side letters” associated with the “123 Agreement” for civil nuclear cooperation, leading to a fresh dispute.
After Terry Strada criticized Saudi Arabia during her speech at the 25th anniversary memorial of the attacks, President Trump indicated he would consider making 9/11 records related to Saudi involvement available.
The Saudi government has strongly denied any complicity in the attacks, asserting that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.
Strada, who lost her husband, Thomas, in the attacks, is not merely looking for documents; she is asking Trump to urge Saudi Arabia to acknowledge its role. “Don’t continue covering for them or providing them cover… He can be the one that stops that pattern,” she implored.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales, responding to inquiries about Trump’s decision regarding the request, stated, “President Trump is leading the most transparent administration in history,” referencing his authorization of the release of numerous documents related to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. She added that Trump will always honor the memory of those lost in the attacks and the valor that emerged on that tragic day.
