US and Saudi Arabia reach 30-year uranium enrichment agreement

President Donald Trump has signed off on a 30-year agreement with Saudi Arabia that would allow the kingdom to develop uranium enrichment capability for its civilian nuclear programme, according to multiple news outlets. The arrangement, which could be announced as early as Wednesday, is expected to involve U.S. firms in a joint study that may lead to the construction of an enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.

The deal will be submitted to the U.S. Congress for review, where some lawmakers are expected to raise objections over potential proliferation risks. Critics note that the agreement is not slated to include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s “additional protocol,” which would provide enhanced monitoring and verification.

Saudi Arabia is an IAEA member state and has pledged to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. However, non-proliferation experts warn that the presence of enrichment centrifuges could lower barriers to a future weapons programme, especially given regional tensions.

"Any centrifuges within Saudi Arabia could open the door to a weapons programme," said an unnamed expert on nuclear proliferation.

The United States and Saudi officials have not responded to requests for comment. The agreement follows earlier attempts by both Trump and former President Joe Biden to share American nuclear technology with the kingdom.

Regional observers also note that Saudi Arabia’s recent defence pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates’ separate nuclear power project, which avoided enrichment, highlight differing approaches to nuclear development in the Middle East.