Washington (HRNW)-\u00a0US President Donald Trump has approved a major nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear reactors.<\/p>\n
According to the World News Agency, under the agreement, American companies will provide advanced technology, technical expertise, and other assistance to Saudi Arabia\u2019s civilian nuclear program, including power generation.<\/p>\n
The Trump administration said the agreement will remain in effect for 30 years and will be sent to the US Congress for ratification, where it is expected to receive approval.<\/p>\n
The deal is considered highly sensitive and controversial in both the United States and the Middle East because uranium enrichment technology could, in theory, provide the foundation for developing nuclear weapons in the future.<\/p>\n
According to media reports, the agreement also includes certain limitations on the inspection and monitoring of Saudi Arabia\u2019s nuclear program, which are expected to face scrutiny from US lawmakers.<\/p>\n
Israel, widely regarded as an undeclared nuclear-armed state, has long expressed concerns over Saudi Arabia gaining access to advanced nuclear technology.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, regional rival Iran possesses a significant stockpile of enriched uranium and continues to maintain that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and intended for civilian purposes, despite recent military tensions with the United States.<\/p>\n
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Iran were ever to acquire nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would consider taking similar steps to safeguard its national security.<\/p>\n
Experts note that nuclear weapons can generally be developed through two primary pathways: uranium enrichment or plutonium reprocessing. Most countries operating civilian nuclear reactors import enriched uranium under strict international supervision rather than producing it domestically.<\/p>\n
The United States has pursued civil nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia for years. The agreement was previously linked to broader efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Those negotiations stalled following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks but were later revived by the Trump administration.<\/p>\n
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