US to Approve Saudi Arabia's Civilian Nuclear Program

The United States is poised to announce a landmark agreement permitting Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program, a significant advancement in the strategic partnership between the two nations. This announcement is anticipated on Wednesday, following extensive negotiations led by President Donald Trump’s administration.

If finalized, the agreement could be valued at billions of dollars for U.S. companies involved in constructing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure, including facilities for enriched uranium production for civilian energy. The proposed deal entails a joint study to assess uranium enrichment within Saudi Arabia, differing from a 2009 agreement with the United Arab Emirates that prohibited domestic enrichment.

The agreement has raised alarms in Israel, with concerns that it could enable Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons in the future. The deal is expected to last for 30 years and includes safeguards to limit Saudi nuclear activities.

It will be submitted to the U.S. Congress for review, where it may face scrutiny despite Republican control.