WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a landmark 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium for its nuclear energy program, according to two people familiar with the matter, in a move expected to trigger congressional scrutiny and renewed debate over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
The agreement, which had not been formally announced at the time of the reports, is expected to be submitted to the U.S. Congress for review. According to the sources, the pact would enable American companies to help develop Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program and could eventually lead to the construction of a uranium enrichment facility in the kingdom following a joint U.S.-Saudi feasibility study.
While the Trump administration views the agreement as a strategic partnership that strengthens U.S. influence in the region and creates major commercial opportunities for the American nuclear industry, the proposal has drawn concern from lawmakers and nonproliferation experts.
Critics argue that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, even for civilian purposes, could increase the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation because the same technology used to produce fuel for nuclear reactors can also be adapted to produce weapons-grade material. The proposed agreement reportedly does not include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, which provides enhanced international inspections and monitoring of nuclear activities.
Saudi Arabia has long sought access to U.S. nuclear technology as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification program, which aims to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil while expanding alternative energy sources. Riyadh has maintained that its nuclear ambitions are intended for peaceful electricity generation and desalination projects.
However, regional security concerns remain significant. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman previously said the kingdom would seek to develop a nuclear weapon if neighboring Iran were to acquire one, a statement that has fueled fears of a potential nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
The proposed agreement also represents a departure from the so-called “gold standard” established in the 2009 U.S. civilian nuclear agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Under that framework, the UAE agreed not to enrich uranium or reprocess spent nuclear fuel in exchange for access to American nuclear technology. The Saudi proposal does not include the same restrictions, making it considerably more controversial.
Supporters of the agreement argue that partnering with the United States would keep Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program under greater American oversight while preventing the kingdom from turning to other suppliers such as China or Russia for nuclear technology. They also say the deal could strengthen long-term U.S.-Saudi strategic ties amid continuing geopolitical competition in the Middle East.
If approved by Congress, the agreement would become one of the most consequential U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation accords in decades, with implications for regional security, energy development, and global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
