"Trump Approves Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia, Permitting Domestic Uranium Enrichment"

"Both Countries to Officially Sign Nuclear Agreement on the 22nd"

"Concerns Rise Over Possibility of Saudi Nuclear Weapons Development"

Reuters Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a nuclear agreement that would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium. This move appears to be aimed at supporting the nuclear development of the U.S. ally, Saudi Arabia, to exert stronger pressure on Iran, while also seeking to eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing U.S. officials on the 21st (local time), reported that "President Trump last weekend approved a nuclear agreement that would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically," adding, "the energy ministers of both countries are expected to sign the agreement on the 22nd."

The Trump Administration explained that the approval is strictly for civilian, not military, nuclear development. However, this agreement has faced opposition not only within the United States but also from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which have raised concerns that it could accelerate nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. For the agreement to take effect, it must first be approved by the U.S. Congress.

If the Saudi nuclear deal is ultimately implemented, Saudi Arabia’s nuclear development project is expected to gain significant momentum. According to CNN, Saudi Arabia began its nuclear development program in 2010, and has, unofficially, sought technological cooperation with China to domestically enrich uranium. Allowing Saudi Arabia—one of Iran’s main rivals for regional dominance—to develop uranium enrichment capabilities is expected to place increased military pressure on Iran.

However, it is unlikely that the agreement will avoid international criticism for accelerating nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, CNN reported that "the draft civil nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia does not include international safeguards to prevent the development of nuclear weapons," and "the draft does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the IAEA Additional Protocol." The IAEA Additional Protocol is an agreement that grants the IAEA comprehensive inspection rights not only for previously declared nuclear facilities but also for facilities suspected of undeclared nuclear activities.

Experts warn that without sufficient safeguards, this agreement could open the door for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons. Andrea Stricker, Deputy Director for Nonproliferation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told CNN, "Even if the bilateral nuclear agreement allows the United States to maintain control over Saudi Arabia, permitting uranium enrichment or reprocessing in Saudi territory is unsafe," adding, "we cannot guarantee that Saudi Arabia will not nationalize the relevant facilities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.