US and Saudi Arabia sign civilian nuclear deal with enrichment provision
The US and Saudi Arabia signed two agreements on Wednesday establishing a civilian nuclear programme in the Gulf kingdom, including a potential uranium enrichment facility. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the deals, which the Energy Department says lay the legal foundation for a multibillion-dollar partnership advancing nuclear non-proliferation. Some US lawmakers and Israeli officials fear the project could help Saudi Arabia develop nuclear weapons. The move comes as the Trump administration fights a war with Iran over its nuclear programme. The Wall Street Journal reported a provision allowing US companies to build an enrichment facility, though the Energy Department statement did not confirm this.
Key facts
- US and Saudi Arabia signed two agreements on Wednesday for a civilian nuclear programme
- Agreements signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman
- Deals include 'peaceful nuclear cooperation' and 'bilateral safeguards' agreements
- Energy Department says deals lay legal foundation for multibillion-dollar partnership
- Some US lawmakers and Israeli officials fear the project could enable Saudi nuclear weapons development
- The Wall Street Journal reported a provision for US companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia
- Energy Department statement did not mention or confirm the enrichment provision
- Deal comes as US fights war with Iran over its nuclear programme
Entities
Institutions
- US Energy Department
- The Wall Street Journal
- Agence France-Presse
Locations
- United States
- Saudi Arabia
- Washington