US set to sign 30-year nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia – Report

The United States is preparing to sign a landmark 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at supporting the kingdom's plans to develop a nuclear energy programme while strengthening strategic ties between the two countries. The agreement is expected to be submitted to the US Congress for review.

According to reports, the deal would allow US companies to help build Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear infrastructure, including the possibility of developing a uranium enrichment facility under strict US oversight. The agreement could be worth tens of billions of dollars and is seen as a major commercial and geopolitical victory for both nations.

However, the proposed agreement has sparked criticism because it reportedly omits some of the non-proliferation safeguards included in previous US nuclear cooperation deals. Lawmakers and nuclear experts have expressed concerns that allowing uranium enrichment without stricter monitoring could increase the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation in the Middle East.

The Trump administration argues that the deal will strengthen US influence in the region, create opportunities for American nuclear companies, and help counter competition from China and Russia in the global nuclear energy market. Congress is expected to scrutinise the agreement during its review period before it can fully take effect.