The Trump administration has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with Saudi Arabia on civil nuclear cooperation that could eventually allow the kingdom to enrich uranium for its own nuclear fuel, a move likely to spark debate over nuclear proliferation and security in the Middle East.
The proposed agreement outlines a framework for U.S.-Saudi cooperation on the development of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy programme. The arrangement is said to include provisions that could permit the kingdom to enrich uranium under agreed safeguards, though the final terms remain under negotiation.
Saudi Arabia has long argued that it should have the right to develop a complete civilian nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium enrichment, as part of plans to diversify its energy sector and reduce dependence on oil. U.S. officials said any agreement would require strict international monitoring and compliance with safeguards overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The reported deal comes amid broader U.S. efforts to strengthen strategic ties with Saudi Arabia while expanding cooperation on energy, security and regional stability. Officials familiar with the discussions said negotiations have accelerated as Washington seeks to reinforce its partnerships in the Gulf.
Critics have warned that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium could raise concerns about nuclear proliferation, particularly given regional tensions involving Iran. Supporters of the agreement argue that a U.S.-backed framework with robust oversight would provide stronger safeguards than if Saudi Arabia pursued nuclear cooperation with other international partners.
The White House and Saudi officials have not publicly released the full details of the proposed agreement, and any final deal would likely face scrutiny from the U.S. Congress before taking effect.
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