Trump to advance Saudi nuclear deal without key safeguards

The Trump administration is expected to submit a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress that reportedly does not include key US nonproliferation safeguards, according to Reuters.

The proposed deal would allow US companies to help develop Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy sector but would not require the kingdom to forgo uranium enrichment or adopt expanded UN nuclear inspections—measures long viewed in Washington as critical barriers against nuclear weapons development.

The move is likely to face scrutiny in Congress, particularly as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said Saudi Arabia would seek a nuclear weapon if Iran acquires one.

nuclear dealNuclear programSaudi ArabiaUS-Saudi relations