The United States and Saudi Arabia have reached a tentative agreement that would allow the kingdom to enrich nuclear fuel on its own soil. The deal is expected to be announced Wednesday, according to officials familiar with the negotiations.
The arrangement would permit Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program, including uranium enrichment capabilities. Critics argue this creates a significant proliferation risk.
U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns that the kingdom could use the program to develop nuclear weapons. Israeli officials have also privately expressed opposition to the terms of the agreement.
The civilian project would be subject to international safeguards to prevent diversion of nuclear material. However, enrichment technology can produce fuel for bombs as well as reactors.
Saudi leaders have insisted on the right to enrich uranium as part of any civilian nuclear partnership. They argue other nations, such as Iran, already possess similar capabilities.
The deal represents a shift in longstanding U.S. nonproliferation policy. Previous administrations refused to allow other countries to enrich fuel even under strict monitoring.
The agreement’s final language and specific safeguards remain under review. Officials expect the announcement to include measures for inspection and transparency.
