US to announce deal allowing Saudi Arabia a nuclear programme, reports say
The US is reportedly nearing a deal to allow Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program, potentially including domestic uranium enrichment. The agreement has drawn scrutiny from non-proliferation experts and regional observers due to concerns over nuclear weapon potential and the lack of requirements for diplomatic ties with Israel.
Why it matters
The deal represents a significant shift in US foreign policy and nuclear non-proliferation strategy in the Middle East.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Under the deal, US President Donald Trump has reportedly not required his Saudi counterpart Mohammed bin Salman to give diplomatic recognition to Israel
The US and Saudi Arabia are expected to announce a deal that will allow the Gulf kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme, according to US media reports.
An announcement is expected from US President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday, US officials were cited as saying.
The agreement could be worth billions of dollars to the US, whose companies could be involved in building a facility to produce enriched uranium, which can be used as fuel for power plants but also to make nuclear bombs.
Nuclear experts and former officials in Israel - the US's top ally in the Middle East - have voiced concern that the plan could ultimately lead to Saudi Arabia being able to develop a nuclear weapon.
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