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The United States has announced a significant agreement with Saudi Arabia to establish a civilian nuclear program, emphasizing that the deal includes robust nonproliferation safeguards. This development occurs amid ongoing U.S. efforts to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions, a key point of contention in stalled peace talks.

Two specific agreements, one on "peaceful nuclear cooperation" and another on "bilateral safeguards," were formally signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The U.S. Energy Department stated that these agreements form the legal basis for a long-term, multi-billion-dollar partnership, advancing economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear nonproliferation.

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Together, these two agreements lay the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that advances several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear nonproliferation.

While the Energy Department's statement did not mention it, the Wall Street Journal reported that the deal could potentially allow U.S. companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. This aspect was not confirmed by the Energy Department, which declined to comment when questioned by AFP.

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Trump claims his war on Iran is about stopping an authoritarian country from enriching nuclear fuel. Now he's letting his best friends in Saudi Arabia -- one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world -- do exactly that. This is absurd.

The agreement will be presented to Congress for review, though its passage is expected given the Republican-controlled legislature. However, lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials have previously voiced apprehension, fearing Saudi Arabia might eventually use the program to develop nuclear weapons. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the move, stating, "Now he's letting his best friends in Saudi Arabia -- one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world -- do exactly that. This is absurd."

Saudi Arabia has consistently asserted its right to a civilian nuclear program, similar to its neighbor Iran. The kingdom also signed a mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan last year. Washington has been pursuing a broader strategic objective, linking any nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to normalization of ties with Israel and a U.S.-Saudi defense pact. Concerns about proliferation persist, particularly the fear that an Iranian nuclear weapon could trigger a regional arms race. U.S. Energy Secretary Wright, however, dismissed these concerns, asserting that the agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation and align with U.S. economic and strategic interests.

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Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation.