The Trump administration is advancing a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that would grant the kingdom the right to enrich uranium and process spent atomic fuel, a move that has triggered sharp warnings from US lawmakers and regional states about weapons proliferation risks.
The proposed deal reportedly omits critical safeguards designed to prevent the development of nuclear weapons, raising concerns that Riyadh could leverage the technology for a military program.
Critics in Washington argue that the agreement undermines decades of non-proliferation efforts, particularly as military tensions with Iran intensify across the region.
The pact represents a significant shift in US nuclear policy, moving away from strict restrictions on enrichment capabilities for allied nations.
By allowing Saudi Arabia to develop a full civilian nuclear fuel cycle, the administration is betting on energy security and strategic partnership over traditional non-proliferation constraints.
Regional dynamics are expected to be heavily impacted, with neighbors viewing the deal as a potential catalyst for an arms race.