President Donald Trump has submitted a proposed civil nuclear energy agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, initiating a mandatory 90-day review period.
This agreement, which aligns with the Atomic Energy Act, would enable U.S. companies to export civilian nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia and involves the construction of AP1000 reactors, a project valued at tens of billions of dollars that would benefit Westinghouse. However, the deal's progression is contingent upon Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
Critics, including some Democratic lawmakers and nonproliferation advocates, have raised concerns about the lack of a permanent ban on uranium enrichment and the potential weakening of controls against military use of nuclear technology.
Matthew Kroenig from the Atlantic Council expressed that the feasibility study for a U.S.-operated enrichment facility should ideally lead Saudi Arabia to rely on imported fuel-cycle services instead of developing its own capabilities.
The agreement also comes at a time when the global nuclear order is under strain, raising fears of increased proliferation risks and security challenges in an already volatile region. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's stance on normalizing relations with Israel is linked to the recognition of a Palestinian state, complicating the geopolitical landscape further