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Trump approves US-Saudi deal
President Trump approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia to partner on developing the Kingdom's civil nuclear energy program, according to two U.S. officials cited by ABC News.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America signed an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, along with a bilateral agreement on nuclear safeguards, in a move that establishes a legal and strategic framework for civilian nuclear cooperation between the two countries and strengthens their longstanding partnership in the fields of energy and advanced technologies”
ABC News said the deal leaves open the possibility that Saudi Arabia will enrich uranium domestically in the future, and that the United States and Saudi Arabia agreed to safeguards to inhibit any weaponization effort.
The BBC reported that the US and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark deal described as a "peaceful nuclear co-operation agreement" that will provide "great access for American companies in the Saudi nuclear energy program".
The BBC added that the US Department of Energy said a "bilateral safeguards agreement" was also signed, laying "the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership".
ABC News said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked about the agreement on Wednesday and declined to comment on the contours of the plan, saying, “Suffice it to say, the U.S. is not going to reach any agreement with any country in the world that leads to the risk of proliferation,”.
Congress, enrichment, and opposition
The BBC said the text from the deal was not made public, but US media have reported it could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium in the future, which can be used as fuel for power plants but also to make nuclear bombs.
BBC reported that nuclear experts and former officials in Israel voiced concern the plan could ultimately lead to Saudi Arabia being able to develop a nuclear weapon, and it quoted Rosemary Kelanic saying it would be "quite shocking" if the deal includes the US allowing Saudi Arabia to have facilities to enrich uranium.
In a separate reaction piece, the Atlantic Council said the 123 agreement—named after Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act—would allow the US to transfer civilian nuclear material, technology, and equipment to Saudi Arabia.
The Atlantic Council also said the Wall Street Journal report notes a provision that could allow for a "black box" uranium enrichment facility, located in the kingdom but run by US companies.
ABC News said the administration is expected to submit the deal to Congress, which is required by federal law, and Rubio said the Trump administration would work with Congress to formalize the deal.
Regional stakes and political fallout
The BBC said the announcement comes as fighting escalates between the US and Iran, and it noted that Saudi Arabia hosts several US bases that have been targeted by Iranian attacks.
The BBC also said it comes two days after Iran's allies in Yemen, the Houthis, announced a "maritime blockade" against the kingdom.
France 24 reported that the agreement was signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, and that it still must be submitted to the U.S. Congress but with a Republican majority it is not expected to oppose its implementation.
France 24 quoted Democratic Senator Chris Murphy lamenting that the deal risks "triggering a nuclear arms race in the region, deterring Iran from limiting its own nuclear program".
The BBC said some lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle are expected to oppose the deal, and it quoted Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Markey condemning Rubio and Trump, saying their "hypocrisy is matched only by their recklessness".
