US nears deal with Saudi Arabia for civilian nuclear program

The United States is reportedly on the verge of announcing a significant agreement with Saudi Arabia that would establish a civilian nuclear program for the kingdom. American media outlets, citing two unnamed U.S. officials, reported that the administration intends to formally sign and unveil the accord with Riyadh on Wednesday.

This development comes as the U.S. has intensified its focus on Iran, a regional rival of Saudi Arabia, particularly concerning fears that Iran's nuclear program could be geared towards developing atomic weapons. The proposed agreement with Saudi Arabia could be a substantial boost for the American nuclear sector, potentially worth billions of dollars. A clause in the deal, reportedly valid for 30 years, suggests that U.S. companies would construct a uranium enrichment complex in Saudi Arabia, contingent upon a joint study deeming it justified, according to the Wall Street Journal.

However, the plan faces opposition from some U.S. Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as Israeli officials. Their primary concern is that the civilian nuclear program could ultimately be leveraged to develop nuclear weapons. The agreement is expected to be presented to the U.S. Congress in the coming days, though its approval is not strictly necessary for the accord to be finalized.

Saudi Arabia has long asserted its right to civilian nuclear technology. In recent years, Washington has sought to integrate such agreements within a broader strategy that includes normalizing relations with Israel and establishing defense pacts. The U.S. previously signed a nuclear agreement with the United Arab Emirates in 2009, which does not involve uranium enrichment. The region remains tense, with renewed clashes between factions raising concerns about further destabilization.