Donald Trump has reportedly agreed to a landmark nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.
According to US officials, the move would see the US help develop the kingdom’s civilian nuclear industry under a multi-decade partnership.
The proposed pact, expected to be worth tens of billions of dollars over 30 years, would position US companies at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear expansion and could also permit uranium enrichment within the kingdom.
But the deal, which was greenlit by Mr Trump last week and expected to be submitted to Congress for review in the coming days, could face headwinds among politicians who are against the spread of nuclear technology in the Middle East.
“The agreement could help revitalise the US nuclear industry, strengthen US-Saudi ties and deny Russia and China a strategically important role in the Saudi nuclear program,” former longtime senior State Department official Robert Einhorn said.
“But unless it contains adequate constraints, including on enrichment, it could increase nuclear proliferation risks in the Middle East and beyond.”
Saudi Arabia has spent years pushing for US support to establish a domestic civilian nuclear power sector, arguing it is needed to diversify the country;s energy mix and reduce its reliance on burning crude oil for electricity.
The kingdom has also expressed interest in developing its own uranium resources as part of its long-term energy strategy.
While the country maintains the program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, comments previously made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have fuelled international concern after he said Saudi Arabia would seek a nuclear weapon if Iran successfully acquired one.
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