Former President Donald Trump has finalized a nuclear sharing deal with Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. This agreement allows American companies to provide nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia and, notably, enables the kingdom to produce its own nuclear reactor fuel. This policy change has raised alarms among nuclear nonproliferation experts and some members of Congress, who fear it could pave the way for Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium to weapons-grade material. While the deal could benefit U.S. nuclear companies like Westinghouse Electric Co., it reportedly deviates from previous nonproliferation agreements that strictly banned uranium enrichment.
The full text of the deal has not been publicly released, but media reports, including one from The Wall Street Journal, suggest a provision allowing U.S. companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. However, Trump later complicated matters by stating on social media that the deal was contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords and denying that the agreement would permit uranium enrichment on Saudi soil. This new condition has left the deal in a state of "diplomatic suspension" and is likely to cause tension between Washington and Riyadh.
The deal also raises questions about international oversight. Saudi Arabia has reportedly not agreed to the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) "additional protocol," which provides for expanded monitoring and inspections. Instead, it has agreed to a bilateral safeguards agreement with the U.S. This contrasts with a 2009 nuclear cooperation agreement between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, which included strict IAEA inspections. Critics, including some Israeli politicians and Democratic lawmakers, worry that this deal could spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and destabilize the region.
Despite the controversy, the agreement aims to help Saudi Arabia diversify its energy sector, meet rising electricity demands, and potentially reduce its reliance on oil. Analysts suggest this deal signals Washington's intent to keep regional allies within its sphere of influence, preventing them from turning to countries like China for nuclear development. Senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Steven Cook, noted that Trump's demand for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords could create friction, as Riyadh had committed to an agreement without this requirement.
The deal will be submitted to the U.S. Congress for review, as legislative approval is required for such international nuclear cooperation under the Atomic Energy Act. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Chris Murphy and Congressman Ro Khanna, have expressed strong concerns, arguing that the deal is a "giveaway" to the Saudis, could fuel Iranian ambitions, and further destabilize the Middle East. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, however, stated that the deal would boost the American economy, strengthen national security, and uphold high standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation.
