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- The agreement could allow Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear programme and benefit US firms building nuclear infrastructure.
- Experts and former Israeli officials fear Saudi domestic uranium enrichment could create a pathway to nuclear weapons.
- Under reported terms, Saudi Arabia would first conduct a joint study with the United States before possible enrichment at a US-built facility.
- The deal will go to Congress, where opposition is expected, though Republicans control both chambers.
A nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia is expected to be announced on Wednesday, according to US media reports, potentially allowing the Gulf kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme.
US officials cited by American media said President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing the announcement. The agreement could be worth billions of dollars for US companies involved in building nuclear infrastructure, including a facility that could produce enriched uranium.
Enriched uranium can be used as fuel for nuclear power plants, but it can also be used in the production of nuclear weapons.
Concerns over uranium enrichment
The reported agreement has raised concerns among nuclear experts and former Israeli officials, who fear that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically could eventually create a pathway towards developing nuclear weapons.
The White House has not yet commented on the reports.
Under the reported terms of the agreement, Saudi Arabia would conduct a joint study with the United States before potentially receiving approval to enrich uranium on its territory at a US-built facility.
This would differ from a 2009 US agreement with neighbouring United Arab Emirates, which prevents the UAE from producing its own nuclear fuel and includes additional restrictions.
The possibility of domestic uranium enrichment is expected to draw criticism from nuclear non-proliferation groups, which advocate limiting the spread of nuclear weapons worldwide.
Iran tensions remain central issue
The nuclear issue has been a major focus of the ongoing US-Israeli confrontation with Iran. Washington and Israel have said preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons was among the reasons behind military action against Iran, although Iran has denied seeking such capabilities.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in 2018 that Saudi Arabia did not intend to acquire nuclear weapons but warned that the kingdom would follow suit if Iran developed one.
“If Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible,” he said at the time.
Deal faces congressional scrutiny
The Wall Street Journal reported that the agreement, already approved by President Trump, would remain in effect for 30 years.
According to the report, if the United States rejects uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia following the joint study, Riyadh would not be permitted to pursue enrichment independently or with another foreign partner for 10 years.
The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress, where opposition is expected from some lawmakers across the political spectrum, although Trump’s Republican Party controls both chambers.
The reported Saudi nuclear deal is not tied to Saudi Arabia establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, according to the New York Times. Efforts to secure Saudi-Israeli normalisation have been a long-standing foreign policy goal for successive US administrations.
Also read: Iran war has cost US $37.5bn so far
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