Saudis and US Strike Deal for Kingdom to Enrich Uranium, Reports Say

The US and Saudi Arabia have reportedly reached an agreement to enrich uranium within the kingdom’s borders. The deal has sparked alarm among non-proliferation experts and lawmakers, who are concerned it could enable Saudi Arabia to develop a nuclear weapons program.

While previous US administrations have shared American technology with the kingdom, this move carries significant implications. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has long been wary of countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran using civilian nuclear programs as cover for military pursuits. Enriching uranium in Saudi Arabia would raise concerns about the potential for the kingdom to develop a nuclear weapons program.

The agreement’s lack of transparency is also troubling, particularly given that it will not include the IAEA’s “additional protocol.” This protocol allows for more monitoring and inspections, providing greater oversight of a country’s nuclear activities. Without it, any scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s uranium enrichment efforts would be limited.

Critics argue that this deal is ill-timed, considering the US and Israel are currently engaged in a war against Iran aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities. Providing Saudi Arabia with the tools to enrich uranium could be seen as contradictory, if not hypocritical.

The consequences of this agreement are far-reaching. As one non-proliferation expert noted, enriching uranium in Saudi Arabia would “open the door to weaponization,” a major concern for Western nations regarding Iran’s nuclear program. While enrichment does not automatically lead to a nuclear weapon, it is an essential stepping stone.

The motivations behind this deal also raise questions. Is the US genuinely interested in helping Saudi Arabia develop its civilian nuclear program, or are there ulterior motives? The fact that Trump’s energy secretary visited Saudi Arabia shortly before Trump’s visit to discuss building out the kingdom’s commercial nuclear power industry suggests a deeper level of engagement.

Previous agreements between the US and its Middle Eastern allies have set a precedent for countries seeking nuclear power. For example, the UAE signed a “123 agreement” with the US to build its Barakah nuclear power plant without seeking enrichment capabilities. This has been hailed as the “gold standard” for countries wanting nuclear power – yet Saudi Arabia is being given a free pass.

As the deal heads to Congress for review, lawmakers will play a critical role in determining whether this agreement is wise or reckless. With concerns about nuclear proliferation running high, it’s imperative that the US exercises caution and carefully weighs the risks of providing Saudi Arabia with uranium enrichment capabilities.

The timing of the expected announcement amid the war against Iran adds to the sense of unease surrounding this agreement. The world will be watching as Congress reviews this deal – but it remains unclear whether the US is truly willing to confront the consequences of its actions.