Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal: Everything you need to know | Today’s news
U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear program, multiple U.S. media outlets reported, citing two people familiar with the matter. The deal, which is expected to be announced as early as Wednesday and later submitted to the US Congress for consideration, has raised concerns among lawmakers and non-proliferation experts that it could eventually allow Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons.
Here’s what’s known so far.
what’s the deal
According to The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal, the agreement will last for 30 years and is expected to involve American companies in the development of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program.
A key provision would allow the construction of a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint US-Saudi feasibility study concludes that such a facility is warranted.
The Trump administration says the deal could generate billions of dollars for the US nuclear industry, AFP reported.
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Why is uranium enrichment significant?
Uranium enrichment is used to produce fuel for civilian nuclear reactors. However, the same technology can also be used to produce highly enriched uranium suitable for nuclear weapons if advanced.
Experts have long argued that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically lowers the technical barrier to developing nuclear weapons, even if enrichment alone is not enough to produce an atomic bomb.
According to the AP, the country would also need to master weapons technology, including sophisticated explosives and other complex systems.
Why are US lawmakers concerned?
The proposed deal is expected to face scrutiny from members of both the Republican and Democratic parties.
According to the AP and AFP agencies, several lawmakers fear that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium could trigger a new phase of nuclear proliferation and strategic competition in the Middle East.
Israeli officials have also reportedly expressed concern that the civilian nuclear program could eventually be converted to a military one.
Although the deal will be submitted to Congress, AFP said congressional approval is not required for it to take effect.
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What guarantees will apply?
Saudi Arabia is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog responsible for promoting peaceful nuclear energy and monitoring the nuclear activities of member states.
But the AP said the deal is not expected to include the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which gives inspectors broader powers to monitor, verify and access nuclear facilities.
The absence of additional safeguards has become another source of concern among non-proliferation experts.
why now
The agreement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Trump administration has repeatedly justified military action against Iran over concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program, even though Iran says its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes.
At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have threatened to widen the conflict by targeting Saudi Arabia after renewed fighting involving the US and Iran.
How does this compare to previous US policy?
Both Trump and former US President Joe Biden have sought a civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia to give the kingdom access to US nuclear technology.
However, previous negotiations have met with resistance as Riyadh has insisted on retaining the right to enrich uranium on its own soil.
According to reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said the kingdom would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran acquired an atomic bomb.
How is the SAE model different?
The United Arab Emirates offers a contrasting example.
The United Arab Emirates signed the so-called “123 agreement” with the United States to build the Barakah nuclear power plant with the help of South Korea, but agreed not to pursue domestic uranium enrichment.
Nuclear nonproliferation experts have often described the UAE’s arrangement as the “gold standard” for civilian nuclear cooperation because it separates nuclear energy development from enrichment options, the AP reported.
