WASHINGTON: The United States is reportedly preparing to announce a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in strategic ties between the two allies and expanding cooperation in the energy sector.
According to reports, the proposed 30-year agreement would allow U.S. companies to help develop Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy program. The deal could also pave the way for a U.S.-built uranium enrichment facility in the Kingdom if future studies determine it is necessary. Officials say the agreement is expected to generate billions of dollars in investment for the American nuclear industry.
The proposed pact, however, has drawn criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and non-proliferation experts. They argue the agreement does not include some of the stricter safeguards found in previous U.S. nuclear cooperation deals, raising concerns about the potential spread of sensitive nuclear technology in the Middle East.
The agreement is expected to be submitted to the U.S. Congress for review, where lawmakers will have an opportunity to examine or challenge its provisions before it can take effect
