US and Saudi Arabia to Sign Landmark Nuclear Deal

The United States is set to announce a significant 30-year nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia aimed at establishing a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom. This announcement is expected on Wednesday, as reported by The New York Times, citing two unidentified US officials.

The deal, associated with the Trump administration, is projected to generate billions for the US nuclear industry and may involve the construction of a uranium enrichment facility by US companies in Saudi Arabia. However, the agreement has drawn opposition from US lawmakers across party lines and Israeli officials, who express concerns that it could lead to the development of nuclear weapons.

Although the deal will be submitted to Congress soon, it does not require congressional approval to proceed. Saudi Arabia has consistently asserted its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program.

The US has previously signed a nuclear agreement with the United Arab Emirates in 2009, which does not include uranium enrichment. Amid rising tensions with Iran, fears of nuclear proliferation and regional destabilization are growing.