Trump announces landmark US-Saudi nuclear deal; agreement includes strict uranium enrichment curbs

Trump announces landmark US-Saudi nuclear deal; agreement includes strict uranium enrichment curbs

US President Donald Trump has announced a major nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The deal will fulfil Saudi's nuclear energy ambitions while ensuring strict control over uranium enrichment.

The proposed agreement seeks to expand Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear programme using American technology, with safeguards in place to ensure that the focus remains on peaceful purposes.

As per the agreement signed, US companies will help Saudi Arabia develop civilian nuclear infrastructure under a 30-year partnership.

The deal also includes strict non-proliferation measures. While Saudi Arabia may conduct studies on uranium enrichment in future, any such activity would be monitored by the US. Reports suggest that any enrichment facility, if approved, would operate using American-controlled technology so that sensitive information can be transferred.

The agreement does not allow Saudi Arabia the rights to enrich uranium independently.

The nuclear pact is expected to strengthen strategic and economic ties between Washington and Riyadh, as the deal paved the way for a plethora of business opportunities for American companies involved in nuclear technology and infrastructure.

For Saudi Arabia, the agreement meets its long-term objective of diversifying its energy mix by expanding nuclear power generation and reducing dependence on oil.

Trump said the agreement will contribute to efforts to promote stability in the Middle East.

The announcement comes at a time when heightened tensions exist in the region, particularly between the United States and Iran.

While supporters are of the view that the US keeping control of Saudi Arabia's nuclear programme is a safe term of the agreement, critics have expressed concerns over the long-term implications of allowing the kingdom to move closer to uranium enrichment.

The proposed deal will be reviewed by the US Congress now; it is a 90-day process. If approved, it would mark one of the most significant developments in US-Saudi nuclear cooperation in recent years.