Trump approves deal that could enable Saudi uranium enrichment

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a proposed agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to develop uranium enrichment capabilities as part of its civilian nuclear programme, two people familiar with the matter told the Associated Press.

The agreement, which has yet to be formally announced, could be made public as early as Wednesday, July 22, the sources said. They were not authorised to comment publicly on the decision.

Under the proposed deal, which is expected to run for 30 years, U.S. companies would play a role in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear programme. The arrangement could also pave the way for the construction of a uranium enrichment facility in the kingdom, following a joint feasibility study conducted by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress for review, where it may encounter opposition from lawmakers concerned that enabling Saudi Arabia to pursue uranium enrichment could heighten the risk of nuclear proliferation and intensify regional competition.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Vienna-based body responsible for promoting peaceful nuclear energy and monitoring compliance to prevent the development of covert nuclear weapons programmes.

However, the proposed deal is not expected to include the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which provides for enhanced monitoring, inspections and verification measures, according to one of the sources.

The anticipated announcement comes amid an ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, aimed in part at curbing Tehran’s capacity to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran has maintained that its uranium enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes, the report states.

By Tamilla Hasanova