President Donald Trump has approved a deal with Saudi Arabia that could provide the kingdom with the capability to enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear program, according to a new report.
Citing two sources familiar with the matter, the Associated Press detailed that the deal, which could be announced publicly on Wednesday, is set to last 30 years and be worth tens of billions of dollars. It would involve U.S. companies in the development of the program and shut down foreign competitors.
However, the outlet noted the agreement could face obstacles in Congress as it could pave the way for a new era of nuclear proliferation, especially considering that it is not expected to include the International Atomic Energy Agency's additional protocol, which allows for enhanced monitoring, inspections and verification.
Elsewhere, the outlet cited nonproliferation experts claiming that the civilian program could potentially allow Saudi Arabia to develop a weapons one. The country's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, suggested he could make such a decision if Iran seeks an atomic bomb.
Saudi Arabia already has a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, which has a nuclear weapon. It happened after Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar, with Pakistan's defense minister saying the nuclear program "will be made available" to Riyadh if needed, in what was seen as a warning to Israel.
