According to American media reports, the United States is set to finalize an agreement permitting Saudi Arabia to establish a civilian nuclear energy program. Officials state that the administration of President Donald Trump intends to announce the deal this Wednesday.
This arrangement potentially offers lucrative contracts for American firms to construct uranium enrichment facilities. While enriched uranium serves as fuel for power plants, it can also be used in weapons development. This capability has sparked warnings from Israeli officials and nuclear experts regarding the potential for future weapons proliferation in the region.
Reports indicate the deal includes a provision allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium locally after a collaborative study with the US, departing from the stricter limitations previously placed on the United Arab Emirates. Critics of non-proliferation argue this could set a risky precedent.
The agreement, set for a 30-year duration, does not require Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to establish formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Although Prince Mohammed previously stated in 2018 that Saudi Arabia would only pursue nuclear weapons if Iran did, the prospect of this deal faces significant scrutiny in the US Congress. If concerns arise during the initial study phase, the kingdom would be barred from pursuing enrichment independently or with other nations for a decade.
