U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a 30-year agreement with Saudi Arabia to develop the kingdom’s civilian nuclear infrastructure, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.
Under the deal, American companies would supply new power reactors and other nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. One of its key provisions would allow a uranium enrichment plant to be built in the kingdom if joint U.S.-Saudi studies conclude that such a step is justified, including on economic grounds.
Saudi officials have long argued that the agreement is necessary to advance a civilian nuclear program aimed at meeting domestic energy needs. Riyadh expects to use its presumed uranium ore reserves for power generation at home, which would allow it to increase oil exports. Saudi authorities insist that the program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
At the same time, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in 2018 that if Iran developed a nuclear weapon, the kingdom would do the same. Saudi Arabia has also declined to sign the additional IAEA protocol, which provides for stricter inspections and broader access for inspectors to nuclear facilities.
Trump administration officials say a separate agreement between Washington and Riyadh would provide sufficient oversight of facilities supplied by U.S. companies. The deal is expected to face controversy in the U.S. Congress, which must approve it.
“Where Saudi Arabia goes, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Egypt will go as well. The idea that all this will end happily is an illusion,” said Henry Sokolski, head of the U.S. nonproliferation research center NPEC.
Experts cited by the newspaper said allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium could increase the risk of nuclear technology proliferation in the Middle East.