United States and Saudi Arabia Prepare Long-Term Civilian Nuclear Energy Agreement

The United States is preparing to announce a long-term agreement with Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear energy program. The proposed deal is expected to create billions of dollars in business opportunities for American companies and could pave the way for the construction of uranium enrichment facilities if necessary. However, some U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials have expressed serious concerns about the possibility that Saudi Arabia might develop nuclear weapons in the future. July 22, Washington (Rass/AFP) – U.S. media report that the United States is preparing to announce a long-term agreement with Saudi Arabia to develop a nuclear energy program for civilian purposes.

The agreement holds strategic significance due to rising tensions with Iran and renewed conflict with Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to The New York Times, the Trump administration plans to sign and announce the formal deal with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The report, citing two unnamed U.S. officials, states that the deal is expected to generate billions of dollars in business opportunities for the American nuclear industry.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the proposed agreement, which would be valid for 30 years, allows U.S. companies, after joint technical studies, to build uranium enrichment facilities in Saudi Arabia if deemed necessary. However, reactions within the United States have been mixed. Some members from the two major political parties and Israeli officials have raised concerns about the risk that Saudi Arabia might develop nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program. Although the agreement will be presented to the U.S. Congress, formal congressional approval will not be required for its implementation.

Meanwhile, as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have warned they may block Saudi Arabian ports. Last week marked the first renewed exchange of gunfire between Saudi forces and Houthi rebels since the 2022 ceasefire. Regional tensions have increased following Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran at the end of February.