The United States is expected to announce an agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday that would allow the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner. US and Saudi Arabia Prepare Nuclear AgreementThe deal, backed by President Donald Trump's administration, is expected to open the door for US companies to help build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. While enriched uranium is commonly used as fuel for nuclear power plants, it can also be used in the production of nuclear weapons. The BBC has contacted the White House for comment. Major Investment and Long-Term PartnershipAccording to reports, the agreement would permit US companies to operate nuclear power facilities on Saudi soil. The companies expected to participate have not been identified, and the proposal will require consultation with the US Congress. Following a joint study with the United States, Saudi Arabia could be permitted to enrich uranium domestically at a US-built facility rather than relying on imported nuclear fuel. The Wall Street Journal reported that the agreement would remain in force for 30 years and could be worth tens of billions of dollars. The proposed arrangement differs from a 2009 nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which bars the UAE from enriching uranium and includes additional non-proliferation restrictions. Concerns Over Nuclear ProliferationThe enrichment provision has prompted concern among nuclear experts, former Israeli officials and non-proliferation advocates, who warn it could eventually provide Saudi Arabia with the capability to develop a nuclear weapon. Israel, Washington's closest ally in the Middle East, has previously expressed concerns about nuclear technology spreading across the region. The issue comes amid continuing tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. The United States and Israel have said one of the reasons for their military strikes against Iran in February was to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon, an allegation Iran has consistently denied. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told CBS News in 2018 that the kingdom did not intend to acquire nuclear weapons. However, he added that if Iran were to obtain a nuclear bomb, Saudi Arabia would "without a doubt" seek one as quickly as possible. Congressional Review AheadThe Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump has already approved the agreement. It also said that if, following the joint study, Washington opposes uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom would be barred from pursuing enrichment independently or through another foreign partner for 10 years. The proposal will now be submitted to Congress, where it is expected to face opposition from some lawmakers in both parties, despite Republicans holding majorities in both chambers. According to The New York Times, the agreement is not tied to Saudi Arabia establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, despite long-standing US efforts to encourage normalisation between the two countries. Join the discussion? 23 July 2026
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