US to announce deal allowing Saudi Arabia a nuclear programme, reports say

What the report says

BBC World News reports that the United States and Saudi Arabia are expected to announce an agreement that would permit the kingdom to pursue a civilian nuclear programme, citing US media accounts and officials. The announcement is expected from President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday. The BBC said it had sought comment from the White House.

According to the reports cited by the BBC, the arrangement could involve US companies in building a facility capable of producing enriched uranium for nuclear power generation. After a joint US-Saudi study, Riyadh could be allowed to enrich uranium domestically rather than depend on imported fuel. The Wall Street Journal, as cited by the BBC, reported that the deal has Trump’s approval, would run for 30 years, and would restrict Saudi Arabia from pursuing enrichment with another partner for 10 years if Washington objects after the study.

The BBC notes that the proposal would mark a major step toward a long-standing Saudi objective, but it is likely to face scrutiny from non-proliferation advocates, Israel-linked experts and some US lawmakers. Uranium enrichment can be used to make fuel for power reactors, but at higher levels it can also support weapons development. The reported terms would differ from a 2009 US agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which accepted tighter limits and does not make its own nuclear fuel.

The BBC also reports that the deal is not conditioned on Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel, a goal pursued by multiple US administrations. The plan is set to go to Congress, where opposition is expected from some members of both parties.