Trump Approves Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia, Allowing Enrichment Without IAEA Oversight.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement Signed

According to 5 канал — Політика: U.S. President Donald Trump has given the green light to a civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, permitting the kingdom to enrich reactor fuel without adhering to strict international oversight. This 30-year pact marks a major step forward for Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions.

Under the terms of the deal, American companies will supply technology and expertise to help build out Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program. However, Riyadh has refused to sign an Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), raising red flags. According to Chris Wright,

“the agreements meet the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation.”

“this potentially enables nuclear weapons proliferation in Saudi Arabia and fuels an arms race in the region.”

Debate Heats Up in the U.S. Congress

Congress retains the power to block the agreement, underscoring the deep divisions among American lawmakers over nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia. On balance, the deal offers both economic benefits and geopolitical risks that demand careful scrutiny.

The agreement could significantly reshape the balance of power in the Middle East, as Saudi Arabia pushes to expand its nuclear energy sector amid rising domestic energy demands. At the same time, the kingdom’s refusal to sign the IAEA’s Additional Protocol has sparked fears that it could pave the way for military nuclear programs in the region, potentially escalating tensions with neighboring countries like Iran. This issue is expected to be debated at international forums and may become a focal point in further negotiations between the United States and its regional partners.