The United States is expected to announce a landmark agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday that will pave the way for the Kingdom to establish a civilian nuclear programme, according to reports by American media.
The proposed deal comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with renewed hostilities involving Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
According to The New York Times, citing two unnamed US officials, President Donald Trump’s administration is set to formally sign and unveil the agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The administration believes the arrangement will generate billions of dollars in opportunities for the US nuclear industry.
Reports by The Wall Street Journal indicate that the 30-year agreement includes a provision allowing American companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint feasibility study concludes that such a facility is necessary.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from some US lawmakers across party lines, as well as Israeli officials, who have expressed concerns that a civilian nuclear programme could eventually be used to develop nuclear weapons.
The agreement is expected to be submitted to the US Congress in the coming days. While lawmakers will have the opportunity to review the deal, congressional approval is not required for it to take effect.
The announcement also comes amid rising regional tensions. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen recently threatened to expand the conflict by blockading Saudi ports following renewed confrontations involving the United States and Iran.
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis exchanged attacks last week for the first time in years, raising fears over the future of the 2022 ceasefire agreement. Although the Houthis had largely stayed out of the conflict since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February, recent developments suggest the fragile truce may be under increasing pressure.
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