WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly approved a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper reported that the agreement would provide Saudi Arabia with access to U.S. nuclear technology for peaceful energy purposes, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.
According to the report, the proposed agreement is expected to remain in force for 30 years, establishing a long-term framework for civil nuclear collaboration between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that the deal is estimated to be worth several billion dollars, although no official financial figures have been publicly confirmed.
Under the reported arrangement, Saudi Arabia would gain access to American nuclear technology to support the development of its civilian nuclear energy program as the Kingdom seeks to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on oil.
The report further cited U.S. officials as saying that the agreement could potentially open the way for uranium enrichment activities within Saudi Arabia, an issue that has long been the subject of international diplomatic and non-proliferation discussions.
Saudi Arabia has previously stated that it intends to develop a peaceful nuclear energy program to meet growing domestic electricity demand and support its long-term economic diversification plans under Vision 2030.
Civil nuclear cooperation agreements between the United States and partner countries are generally designed to facilitate the transfer of nuclear technology and expertise for peaceful purposes while incorporating safeguards intended to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The issue of uranium enrichment has remained one of the most sensitive aspects of negotiations, with non-proliferation advocates emphasizing the need for robust monitoring and compliance with international safeguards administered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
At the time of reporting, neither the White House nor the Saudi government had publicly released an official statement confirming the reported approval or providing additional details regarding the agreement.
The information is based on reporting by The Wall Street Journal, and further official confirmation is awaited from the governments of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
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