President Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia that could potentially provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capability for its civilian nuclear program. The deal is expected to last 30 years and is also expected to involve U.S. firms in developing the program. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision, which was first reported on by the Wall Street Journal.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia that could potentially provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capability for its civilian nuclear program, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The deal is expected to last 30 years and is also expected to involve U.S. firms in developing the program. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision, which was first reported on by the Wall Street Journal. Both Trump and former President Joe Biden tried to reach a nuclear deal with the kingdom to share American technology.
But nonproliferation experts warn any spinning centrifuges within Saudi Arabia could open the door to a possible weapons program for the kingdom, something its assertive crown prince has suggested he could pursue if Tehran obtains an atomic bomb. Enrichment isn't an automatic path to a nuclear weapon — a nation also must master other steps including the use of synchronized high explosives, for instance.
But it does open the door to weaponization, which has fueled the concerns of the West over Iran's program. The United Arab Emirates, a neighbor to Saudi Arabia, signed what is referred to as a '123 agreement' with the U.S. to build its Barakah nuclear power plant with South Korean assistance. But the UAE did so without seeking enrichment, something nonproliferation experts have held up as the 'gold standard' for nations wanting atomic power.
___ Price reported from Manilla, Philippines and Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Aamer Madhani, Michelle L. Price And Jon Gambrell, The Associated Pres
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