The administration of US President Donald Trump is expected to announce a significant nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia this Wednesday, according to reports citing US officials. The proposed arrangement could generate billions of dollars for the United States, as American companies would likely be tasked with constructing a facility to produce enriched uranium. While this material serves as fuel for power plants, it also possesses the capability to be utilized in the creation of nuclear weapons.
Reports suggest that the deal would permit Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically to produce its own fuel at a US-constructed facility, rather than relying on international imports. This provision represents a departure from a 2009 agreement the US established with the United Arab Emirates, which prohibited the UAE from producing its own fuel and imposed various other restrictions. Consequently, the deal is facing scrutiny from non-proliferation advocates who are concerned about the potential for global nuclear weapon proliferation.
The plan has also drawn criticism from nuclear experts and former officials in Israel, the primary US ally in the Middle East, who fear the agreement could eventually enable Saudi Arabia to develop a nuclear weapon. The issue of nuclear capability remains a focal point in the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Both Washington and Tel Aviv recently cited the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons as a primary justification for their attacks on the country in February—an ambition that Tehran has consistently denied.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, previously stated to CBS News in 2018 that his nation did not intend to acquire nuclear weapons. However, he clarified that if Iran were to develop a nuclear bomb, Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly follow suit as soon as possible. Under the terms of the reported agreement, if the US objects to enrichment activities following a joint study, the kingdom would be barred from conducting such activities independently or with other foreign partners for a period of 10 years. The White House has been approached for comment regarding these reports.
