President Donald Trump has approved a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that could grant the kingdom uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the agreement is expected to be announced as early as Wednesday. The 30-year deal is anticipated to involve U.S. Firms in developing the program and could allow for construction of a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia following a joint U.S.-Saudi study.
The agreement will be submitted to Congress for review, where it may encounter opposition from lawmakers concerned that enabling Saudi uranium enrichment could trigger nuclear proliferation and regional competition.
Saudi Arabia is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors nations to ensure they are not developing clandestine nuclear weapons programs. However, the agreement is not expected to include the IAEA's Additional Protocol, which would permit enhanced monitoring and inspections, according to one source.
The announcement arrives amid ongoing conflict involving the U.S. And Israel against Iran, partly aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran maintains its enrichment program is peaceful.
Nonproliferation experts caution that uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia could enable a potential weapons program. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously suggested the kingdom might pursue nuclear weapons if Iran obtains them.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Saudi Arabia last year to discuss expanding the kingdom's commercial nuclear power industry. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have also signed a mutual defense pact; Pakistan's defense minister stated his nation's nuclear program "will be made available" To Saudi Arabia if needed.
The United Arab Emirates secured a nuclear agreement with the U.S. For its Barakah power plant without seeking enrichment capability, which nonproliferation experts have characterized as the "gold standard" For nations pursuing atomic power.