Trump Approves Saudi Civil Nuclear Deal
US President Donald Trump has approved a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could eventually permit uranium enrichment inside the kingdom, according to officials familiar with the pact.
Trump Approves Saudi Nuclear Deal
The agreement would allow American companies to assist Saudi Arabia in developing civilian nuclear power facilities. It is expected to be submitted to the US Congress for a mandatory review before taking effect.
The proposed arrangement could permit Saudi uranium enrichment following a joint US-Saudi study and additional approvals. However, the precise conditions governing any future enrichment facility have not been publicly released.
US officials maintain that the agreement complies with strong non-proliferation principles. Critics argue that its provisions appear less restrictive than earlier American nuclear cooperation deals.
Saudi Uranium Enrichment Concerns
The pact reportedly does not include the “gold standard” adopted in the US agreement with the United Arab Emirates, under which Abu Dhabi permanently renounced domestic uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing.
It also does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, which permits wider inspections and access to undeclared sites. Standard IAEA safeguards would still apply to nuclear material and facilities covered by the agreement.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman previously said the kingdom would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran obtained one. Riyadh maintains that its planned programme is intended exclusively for peaceful energy production.
Congress to Review Nuclear Pact
Under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, Congress will review the agreement for 90 days of continuous session. Lawmakers may attempt to block it, although overriding a presidential veto would require two-thirds support in both chambers.
The deal comes amid continuing US-Iran hostilities and concerns about Tehran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. Non-proliferation specialists have warned that permitting Saudi enrichment without enhanced inspections could increase regional competition over sensitive nuclear technology.
