Trump Submits Saudi Nuclear Deal to Congress Amid Proliferation Concerns

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump formally submitted a proposed civil nuclear energy agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, initiating the mandatory review process, according to CNBC. The deal, signed in July for a 30-year term, would allow American companies to export civilian nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, including plans for Saudi construction of AP1000 nuclear reactors in a project potentially worth tens of billions of dollars. Westinghouse, a U.S. nuclear energy company, stands to benefit significantly from the agreement.

A U.S. administration source indicated that approval of the deal is contingent upon Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel. Trump asserted that the agreement would prevent Saudi uranium enrichment; however, the deal does not explicitly ban uranium enrichment or reprocessing of nuclear material. Instead, it proposes a two-year evaluation period for establishing a U.S.-operated enrichment facility. This aspect has raised concerns among Democratic members of Congress and nuclear nonproliferation experts, who warn that the agreement weakens established safeguards designed to prevent military use of nuclear technology.

Experts caution that loosening these restrictions could increase risks of accidents, security issues, and nuclear weapons proliferation in the region. The issue is particularly sensitive given Saudi Arabia's stance toward Israel and Iran. Riyadh conditions normalization with Israel on recognition of a Palestinian state and has indicated it might pursue nuclear weapons capabilities if Iran acquires them.

The deal's progression through Congress will be closely watched amid these geopolitical and security concerns.