WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has reportedly approved a new long-term nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the United States to help the kingdom develop uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program.
The Associated Press, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported Tuesday that the agreement could be announced as early as Wednesday.
Under the reported 30-year deal, the United States and Saudi Arabia would first conduct a joint study before moving toward the possible construction of a uranium enrichment facility in the kingdom. U.S. companies are expected to play a key role in developing the program.
The proposed agreement marks the latest effort by Washington to deepen nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have pursued negotiations to share U.S. nuclear technology with the kingdom.
The prospect of Saudi Arabia enriching its own uranium has drawn concern from nuclear nonproliferation experts, who warn that the technology used to produce fuel for civilian reactors could also be adapted for a nuclear weapons program.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said the kingdom would seek a nuclear weapon if Iran were to acquire one.
The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress, where lawmakers are likely to scrutinize the proposal over concerns that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation and fuel a regional arms race.