US Set to Help Saudi Arabia Develop Civilian Nuclear Program, Concerns Over Uranium Enrichment

The Trump administration is poised to announce an agreement with Saudi Arabia on a civilian nuclear program, according to a report by the BBC. The deal, previously reported by The Wall Street Journal, would allow US companies to build and operate nuclear energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, potentially lasting 30 years.

The core controversy revolves around Saudi Arabia's possible right to enrich uranium itself. Critics argue that enriched uranium can be used not only for civilian nuclear power but also for developing nuclear weapons. Former Israeli officials warn the deal could heighten nuclear proliferation risks across the Middle East. Security official Frank Gardner noted that if Saudi Arabia begins enriching its own uranium, it might prompt Iran to secretly compete to develop nuclear weapons. BBC correspondent Gardner added that the deal could spur a broader development of nuclear programs in the region, potentially encouraging Egypt and Turkey to pursue their own.

Former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia William Patey said Riyadh has a genuine need for nuclear energy, as the country currently consumes large amounts of its own oil and gas for electricity generation and seeks to reduce that dependency. He believes US technology would be the preferred option but suggested Washington may have made concessions in several areas.

Some US lawmakers have voiced criticism. Democrat Brad Sherman argued that before finalizing the deal, Washington should secure restrictions as strict as those in the 2009 nuclear agreement with the UAE, which saw Abu Dhabi forgo the right to produce its own nuclear fuel and agree to stringent international oversight. He stated that a president leading the fight against nuclear proliferation should not facilitate it for profit. Democrat John Garamendi called the deal "very bad policy," while Republican Marlin Stutzman said he has no major objections yet but wants more intelligence input.

US-Saudi talks on nuclear cooperation date back over a decade. In 2008, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding in which Saudi Arabia pledged to import nuclear fuel and avoid developing sensitive technologies. Between 2017 and 2019, the US authorized seven companies to engage in nuclear discussions with Riyadh. In 2020, a US review found limited progress due to disagreements over uranium enrichment restrictions. In 2021, Washington reportedly considered establishing a US-run enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.

The current deal is viewed within the broader context of US-Saudi relations. The Trump administration has sought to strengthen ties with Riyadh, which remains a key US partner in the Middle East. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Iran obtains nuclear weapons, the kingdom would seek to match that capability.