Trump Administration Set to Announce 30-Year Civilian Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia

The Trump administration is preparing to announce a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, a move expected to strengthen energy ties while generating billions of dollars for the US nuclear industry.

According to The New York Times, citing two US officials, the agreement will formally establish Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the 30-year deal includes a provision allowing US companies to construct a uranium enrichment facility in the Kingdom if a joint assessment determines it is justified.

The proposed agreement has sparked concern among some members of the US Congress and Israeli officials, who fear the civilian programme could eventually be adapted for nuclear weapons development.

Although the agreement will be forwarded to Congress in the coming days, lawmakers are not required to approve it before it takes effect.

The announcement comes as regional security tensions continue to mount. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened to expand the conflict by blockading Saudi ports, following renewed confrontation involving the United States and Iran.

Last week, Saudi Arabia and the Houthis exchanged fire for the first time in several years, putting the 2022 truce under pressure, even though the rebels had largely remained on the sidelines since Israel and the United States attacked Iran in late February.

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