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

What the report says

BBC News reports that the United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement that would allow the Gulf kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme. The US Energy Department described it as a peaceful nuclear cooperation arrangement giving American firms broad access to Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy sector, alongside a bilateral safeguards agreement intended to support nonproliferation. The text has not been released publicly.

According to BBC reporting, US media say the deal could eventually permit uranium enrichment inside Saudi Arabia, potentially at a US-built facility. Enriched uranium can be used as reactor fuel, but at higher levels is also relevant to nuclear weapons production, which is why experts and nonproliferation advocates are expected to scrutinize the agreement. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the arrangements uphold nuclear safety and nonproliferation standards, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected suggestions that Washington would back any deal increasing proliferation risks.

The announcement comes during heightened regional tensions involving the US, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iran-aligned groups in Yemen. BBC notes that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in 2018 that Riyadh did not seek nuclear weapons, but would follow if Iran obtained one. Israel, a close US ally, has also been cited as a source of concern, though Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat said Israel could manage a peaceful Saudi nuclear programme.

The agreement will go to the US Congress for review. Some lawmakers from both parties are expected to object, although Republicans control both chambers. BBC reports that the deal also appears to drop a previous US condition that Saudi Arabia normalize relations with Israel, a shift that could carry significant strategic and commercial implications in the Middle East.