US Signs 30-Year Civil Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia Without Normalization or Strict Oversight
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The US is signing a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia without requiring normalization with Israel or strict international oversight. The agreement allows US companies to assist Saudi Arabia in developing nuclear power and potentially uranium enrichment under US control. Israeli officials and experts warn the deal could enable Saudi nuclear weapons development in the future and marks a decline in Israel's influence in Washington.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- US and Saudi Arabia sign a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement without normalization conditions.
- The deal excludes the 'gold standard' of strict IAEA oversight, raising proliferation concerns.
- US companies will help develop Saudi nuclear power and may build uranium enrichment facilities under US control.
- Saudi Arabia refused to accept enhanced IAEA inspections due to sovereignty concerns.
- Israeli officials see the deal as a setback, weakening leverage over Saudi Arabia.
- Experts warn the agreement could encourage other Middle Eastern countries to seek similar lenient nuclear terms.
The United States is set to officially sign a 30-year agreement with Saudi Arabia to assist in developing a civilian nuclear program, without requiring Riyadh to normalize relations with Israel or accept the "gold standard" of stringent international oversight. The deal, expected to be signed Wednesday evening, allows American companies to help build nuclear power plants in Saudi Arabia and includes a two-year joint study on the economic feasibility of uranium enrichment on Saudi soil.
If the study supports local enrichment, the US would develop the facility under a confidential "black box" arrangement designed to prevent Saudi access to sensitive enrichment technologies. Saudi Arabia cannot pursue uranium enrichment independently or with other countries' help for ten years if the US objects. The agreement also restricts Saudi capabilities to produce weapons-grade materials like plutonium.
However, experts and Israeli officials have expressed concerns that the deal could open a pathway for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons in the future. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has threatened to pursue nuclear arms if Iran does so. The agreement does not require Saudi Arabia to sign the Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which provides enhanced inspection rights, due to Saudi fears inspections could extend to holy sites and royal palaces.
The deal marks a shift from earlier Biden administration proposals that linked nuclear assistance to Saudi normalization with Israel. The Trump administration removed this condition and approved the agreement last week despite potential Congressional opposition. Israeli officials view the removal of the normalization requirement as a setback, weakening Israel's leverage over Saudi Arabia and reflecting a decline in Israel's influence in Washington. The agreement also raises concerns about undermining US demands on Iran to cease uranium enrichment in future nuclear negotiations.
Saudi Arabia frames its nuclear program as part of a broader energy diversification strategy to reduce domestic oil consumption and boost exports. Experts warn the agreement could set a precedent encouraging other regional states like the UAE, Turkey, and Egypt to seek similar lenient terms, potentially increasing nuclear proliferation risks in the Middle East.
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