US Secretary Rubio Affirms Saudi Civil Nuclear Deal as Strategic Partnership Amid Iran Tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the media on Thursday after the ASEAN summit in the Philippines, discussing the recent US-Saudi Arabia civil nuclear agreement. Rubio emphasized that Saudi Arabia is a strategic US ally seeking nuclear technology strictly for peaceful purposes. He explained that the deal allows the US to maintain oversight and safety guarantees, contrasting it with potential agreements Saudi Arabia might make with other countries, which would lack such controls.

Rubio also commented on escalating tensions with Iran, noting that Tehran repeatedly seeks negotiations but fails to uphold agreements. He described Iran's current stance as uncooperative, though he suggested they might eventually accept a deal due to the heavy costs they are incurring. Rubio highlighted that the US prefers cooperation with allies on nuclear programs to ensure global standards and prevent weaponization.

The US military has conducted 12 consecutive days of strikes targeting Iranian military and naval assets in southern Iran, including missile storage and drone facilities, using B-1 bombers for the first time in this escalation. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed retaliatory drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait, damaging Patriot missile systems and helicopter hangars.

Sources told the Wall Street Journal that the US has recently reinforced its Middle East forces with additional troops, medical teams, and weapons to provide President Trump with military options amid the conflict with Iran. Under the US-Saudi agreement, American companies will initially build civilian nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia, followed by a joint two-and-a-half-year study on uranium enrichment. If positive, the US will construct a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. Unlike previous discussions under President Biden, this deal does not include Saudi recognition of Israel. Officials describe the partnership as a 30-year plan for peaceful nuclear development with American oversight.