Explained: What is the US-Saudi nuclear deal and why is it a concern? | Today’s news
The United States and Saudi Arabia have announced a civilian nuclear deal that would allow the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear power program with American technology. The deal, floated by the Trump administration, has also drawn criticism over the risks of nuclear proliferation and a possible arms race in the Middle East.
What is the nuclear deal between the US and Saudi Arabia?
The agreement, known as the 123 Agreement under the US Atomic Energy Act, creates a framework for civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
-Saudi Arabia will be able to develop a civilian nuclear power program with American technology.
-American companies are expected to build nuclear reactors in the kingdom, generating tens of billions of dollars worth of contracts over the coming decades.
-The deal supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil as part of its Vision 2030 agenda.
-The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress. If lawmakers do not reject it within the review period, it will enter into force.
The Trump administration says the deal complies with US non-proliferation laws and includes safeguards to ensure the program remains peaceful.
Is Saudi Arabia allowed to enrich uranium?
This became the biggest point of controversy.
Several reports said the deal would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel — two activities that are essential for civilian nuclear power but could also provide the technological basis for nuclear weapons.
However, President Donald Trump sought to clarify the issue on Truth Social, writing: “There will be no enrichment!”
The final wording of the agreement has not yet been made public, so uncertainty remains over the exact enrichment provisions.
Why is the agreement significant?
The deal represents a major geopolitical victory for both Washington and Riyadh.
For the United States:
-Strengthens ties with one of its closest allies in the Middle East.
-Helps prevent Saudi Arabia from turning to China or Russia for nuclear technology.
-Expands business opportunities for US nuclear companies.
-Pursues its long-term ambition to develop civil nuclear energy.
-Encourages economic diversification beyond oil.
-Gives Riyadh access to advanced US nuclear technology.
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Why are critics worried?
1. The risk of nuclear weapons
Critics say that uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing are technologies that can be used to make weapons-grade material.
Although enrichment for civilian reactors is typically low, the same infrastructure can theoretically be scaled up for military purposes.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia will also pursue it.
2. Weaker inspection requirements
Another major criticism is that the deal reportedly does not require Saudi Arabia to accept the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol.
The Additional Protocol allows inspectors to conduct short-term inspections at undeclared nuclear sites and is considered one of the strongest safeguards against clandestine nuclear activities.
Unlike an earlier proposal by the Biden administration, the Trump deal reportedly omits this requirement, raising concerns among nonproliferation experts.
3. The risk of regional arms races
The deal comes at a time when the United States is at loggerheads with Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Analysts warn that allowing Saudi Arabia greater nuclear capabilities could encourage other regional powers to pursue similar programs, accelerating a nuclear race in the Middle East.
4. Congress criticism
Several US lawmakers criticized the deal.
Sen. Bernie Sanders argued that the deal runs counter to Washington’s stated goal of preventing nuclear proliferation and said the administration allows Saudi Arabia to pursue capabilities similar to those it opposes in Iran.
Senator Edward Markey warned that the deal “would make us all less safe” and argued that it could fuel an arms race in the region.
What does the US say?
The Trump administration insists the deal contains strong safeguards.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any civilian nuclear deal would include safeguards to ensure it “cannot be turned into a weapons program.”
Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the pact as meeting “the highest standards of nuclear security and nonproliferation” while strengthening US strategic and economic interests.
Is the deal linked to Israel?
Yes, but there are conflicting signals.
For years, Washington has sought to tie any nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia to Riyadh’s normalization of relations with Israel based on the Abraham Accords.
After the deal was announced, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the deal would only be approved if Saudi Arabia joined the Abraham Accords.
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly said it will not recognize Israel without a credible path to an independent Palestinian state.
(With inputs from Reuters, AFP, AP)
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