Key facts
- The US has signed a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia.
- The deal permits Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically, unlike previous agreements.
- Israel views the deal with concern, fearing it could lead to Saudi Arabia developing nuclear weapons.
- The agreement aims to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions and bolster US influence in the Middle East.
- The deal could lead to significant infrastructure contracts for American firms.
Donald Trump's administration has finalized a significant nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, a move that deviates from previous U.S. non-proliferation policies and has raised alarms in Israel. The 30-year deal allows Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear power program, crucially permitting in-country uranium enrichment, a step not allowed under the U.S. agreement with the UAE in 2009.
This provision for domestic enrichment is a major departure, as it potentially simplifies Saudi Arabia's path toward developing nuclear weapons, a prospect that has historically concerned Israel. A Washington-based source noted that the deal allows Saudi Arabia to 'leapfrog' crucial stages in nuclear weapon development.
The agreement comes amid broader geopolitical considerations, including countering Iran's nuclear ambitions and strengthening U.S. influence in the Middle East. The deal includes a two-year period to assess the viability of in-country enrichment, with U.S. oversight. If deemed unviable or if the U.S. decides against it, Saudi Arabia would be barred from pursuing it independently or with other foreign powers for a decade.
Beyond security implications, the deal offers substantial economic benefits for American firms through potential infrastructure contracts. It also aims to prevent Saudi Arabia from seeking nuclear technology from China or Russia, thereby keeping the Kingdom within the U.S. sphere of influence and potentially paving the way for further 'Abraham Accords' normalization agreements in the region.