Trump Clears 30-Year Nuclear Pact With Saudi Arabia
The agreement could allow Riyadh to enrich uranium for civilian use, drawing nonproliferation concerns amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict
Synopsis
President Donald Trump has signed a 30-year agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia which may allow the enrichment of uranium in the Kingdom. It is anticipated that the kingdom's nuclear facilities will be built by American companies. A regional arms race is a threat the deal, which is awaiting Congressional approval, poses to non-proliferation experts said.
AdvertisementThe Terms of the Agreement
Trump has given approval to a deal with Saudi Arabia that would give the kingdom uranium enrichment capability for its civilian nuclear programme, which is to last 30 years and involve US companies developing it.
Reportedly, the buildout would be carried out largely by the U.S. companies, pushing other foreign contractors out of the mix. The deal is likely to be presented to Congress for approval and may be met with opposition from members who are afraid of new proliferation dangers.
AdvertisementWhy Enrichment Matters
Uranium enrichment is the practice of boosting the amount of fissile uranium-235, a technology that has civilian nuclear-fuel applications, but that can be adapted to make weapons-grade uranium.
Experts on non-proliferation have warned that enrichment does not necessarily lead to the production of a nuclear weapon, but it is a major step in that direction, and if the IAEA's Additional Protocol doesn't feature in the accord, then it may be harder for the IAEA to monitor.
Regional Stakes
There is a time aspect. The anticipated move comes as Iran and the US, along with Israel, are waging what some call a war on Iran for its part in the nuclear pursuit, despite Tehran's insistence that its own enrichment programme is peaceful. Saudi Arabia's rhetoric will exacerbate concerns - Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously indicated that Riyadh might develop arms if Iran gets an atomic bomb.
The risk calculation is further complicated by regional alliances: Saudi Arabia struck a mutual defence pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan last year, and Pakistan's defence minister announced that Islamabad would provide its nuclear arsenal to the kingdom should it be required.
AdvertisementPolitical Reaction
In-house critics have spoken out. Saudi Arabia's desire for nuclear arms could destabilize the Middle East and push other nations to think about nuclear arms, said Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.). The administration might have underestimated the proliferation risks or the precedent it could establish, a congressional document reviewed separately by the Associated Press said.
Why It Matters
If the agreement is approved, the kingdom would join a handful of countries that have the ability to enrich on their soil—other would-be nations fear that could be used as a template in the future. The deal is also a huge business chance for the United States nuclear contractors as they face competition from Russia, China and South Korea for contracts to build nuclear facilities in the Persian gulf region.
