Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal with possible uranium enrichment
President Donald Trump has approved a 30-year agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear program, according to two unnamed sources. The deal, expected to be announced as early as Wednesday, involves US firms helping develop the program and could lead to a uranium enrichment facility following a joint US-Saudi study. The White House did not comment. Both Trump and former President Joe Biden sought a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia. Non-proliferation experts warn that uranium enrichment could enable a weapons program, especially as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has hinted at pursuing nuclear arms if Iran obtains an atomic bomb.
Key facts
- Trump approved a 30-year nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia
- Deal could allow uranium enrichment for civilian nuclear program
- US firms will help develop Saudi civil nuclear industry
- Announcement expected as early as Wednesday
- Both Trump and Biden pursued a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia
- Non-proliferation experts warn of weapons program risk
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman suggested pursuing nuclear arms if Iran gets a bomb
- Deal could include building a uranium enrichment facility after joint US-Saudi study
Entities
Institutions
- White House
- Wall Street Journal
- Associated Press
Locations
- Saudi Arabia
- United States
- Iran