President Donald Trump has formally approved a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, granting the kingdom the potential to enrich uranium domestically. The deal, which aims to secure a central role for U.S. firms in Saudi energy infrastructure, faces imminent congressional scrutiny amid concerns over regional proliferation and limited international oversight.
Terms of the 30-Year Nuclear Pact
The agreement, described by WSJ as a landmark development, is valued in the tens of billions of dollars. It is designed to position American corporations, most notably Westinghouse, as the primary developers of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program. By securing this contract, the U.S. intends to shut out foreign competitors while establishing a long-term energy partnership.
According to Theguardian, the framework could allow for the construction of a domestic uranium enrichment facility following a joint U.S.-Saudi study. This approval marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, as the administration has chosen to delink nuclear technology transfers from previous diplomatic conditions, such as the normalization of relations with Israel.
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Congressional Review and Non-Proliferation Concerns
The pact is subject to review by the U.S. Congress under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, specifically Section 123. Lawmakers hold the power to block the agreement if they determine it poses a threat to national security. Critics have already raised alarms regarding the deal’s monitoring standards. Unlike the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which required adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) additional protocol
for enhanced, unannounced inspections, this agreement reportedly relies on more limited monitoring.
Rosemary Kelanic, head of the Middle East program at Defense Priorities, expressed strong opposition to the technology transfer.
This follows our earlier report, EU Approves Trade Agreement with the US.
“Giving Saudi Arabia uranium enrichment technology is a terrible idea on many counts. But it’s especially idiotic to do it in the middle of a war over Iran’s nuclear programme.”
Rosemary Kelanic, head of the Middle East programme at Defense Priorities
Kelanic further warned that Saudi enrichment would put immense pressure on Iran to get the bomb,
questioning whether the administration’s strategy risks provoking Tehran into weaponization.
Regional Security and Energy Markets
The geopolitical implications extend beyond the immediate U.S.-Saudi relationship. Saudi Arabia has previously maintained that it would pursue a nuclear deterrent if Iran acquired one. Furthermore, Streamlinefeed notes that the kingdom and Pakistan, which is nuclear-armed, signed a mutual defense pact following an attack by Israel on Qatar targeting Hamas officials. Pakistan’s defense minister reportedly stated that his nation’s nuclear program will be made available
to Saudi Arabia if necessary.
Read also: Trump: Striking Iran’s Capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz-And Finding a Possible Deal.
On the economic front, the transition to nuclear baseload power is intended to allow Saudi Arabia to export more of its crude oil rather than consuming it domestically. This shift is being watched closely by other nations, including Kenya, where regulators are monitoring how changes in global crude supply might affect fuel prices. Meanwhile, other African nations, such as Egypt and Nigeria, are observing the U.S.-Saudi framework as they evaluate their own atomic energy ambitions.
The ultimate success of the program now rests on the upcoming legislative debate in Washington.
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