U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a 30-year cooperation agreement that allows Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program. This deal is causing concern in the international community because it may also give the kingdom the ability to enrich uranium. Zamon.uz reported this.
According to sources, the agreement is expected to be officially announced in the coming days. The document envisions the participation of U.S. companies in developing a nuclear energy program in Saudi Arabia.
Also, after the two countries conduct joint research, a uranium enrichment facility could be built in Saudi Arabia.
Experts note that uranium enrichment technology is used to produce fuel for nuclear power plants. However, this technology is also considered one of the key steps toward creating nuclear weapons.
Therefore, disarmament advocates and some lawmakers in the U.S. have expressed concern that the agreement could intensify the nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
According to reports, the deal lacks some strict restrictions present in previous U.S. nuclear agreements with other countries. In particular, the document does not include the 'gold standard' requirement that would guarantee Saudi Arabia would forgo uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel reprocessing, nor the IAEA's Additional Protocol.
Therefore, the agreement is expected to cause serious discussions in the U.S. Congress.
Saudi Arabia has been trying to establish a civilian nuclear energy program for many years. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia will also seek to obtain such capability.
The Trump administration, however, emphasizes that this agreement serves U.S. economic and strategic interests.
