What Are the Security Concerns Raised by the Nuclear Deal Between Saudi Arabia and the United States?
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The agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia aims to assist the kingdom in developing a peaceful civilian nuclear program.
The deal, described as a “Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation Agreement,” will grant American companies extensive access to Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy sector, according to the US Department of Energy.
Although the full details have not been publicly released, US media reports suggest that the agreement could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium in the future. This raises concerns about the potential development of nuclear weapons in addition to nuclear energy production.
What the Agreement Entails
Experts warn that this agreement by the United States may further destabilize the Middle East and increase the risks associated with nuclear proliferation.
The US Department of Energy also stated that alongside this cooperation agreement, a bilateral security pact has been finalized.
“These two agreements establish a legal foundation for a decades-long partnership, aiming to achieve nuclear nonproliferation and significant economic and strategic objectives,” the announcement said.
The Saudi government also noted that this deal will broaden cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector. The agreement was concluded following the Saudi leader’s visit to Washington in November last year.
This announcement comes amid heightened conflict between the United States and Iran.
Saudi Arabia, a longstanding US partner, hosts numerous American military bases, which have been targets of Iran. The deal was publicized just two days after the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen imposed maritime restrictions against Saudi Arabia.
Although specific terms of the nuclear deal remain unreleased, earlier reports indicated that the US would permit Saudi Arabia to operate US-built, land-based uranium enrichment facilities.
This development offers economic opportunities worth billions of dollars to American companies involved in constructing such facilities, which also have the potential to produce uranium usable not only for fuel but possible nuclear weapons.
“Rest assured, these agreements will ensure the highest standards of nuclear security and nonproliferation,” US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement.
Potential Risks of Nuclear Weapons Development
Nuclear experts and former officials from Israel, the United States’ key Middle Eastern ally, have voiced concerns that Saudi Arabia could eventually develop nuclear weapons under this agreement.
However, some analysts argue that such a process could take decades and that the international community is capable of managing its consequences.
Rosemary Kelanic, Director of the Middle East Program at the US-based Defense Priorities Research Center, said it would be “extremely surprising” if the agreement permits Saudi Arabia to operate uranium enrichment facilities.
“The US has never before assisted any country to enrich uranium on its own soil,” she explained, noting that such capability in-country significantly raises the risk of nuclear weapons development, which is why the US has historically refrained from providing such support.
The deal will be submitted to the US Congress for review and approval.
Members of both the Republican and Democratic parties are expected to oppose the agreement, although the Republican Party currently holds control over both chambers of Congress under Trump’s leadership.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to disagreements about the possibility of Saudi Arabia developing nuclear weapons under the agreement, stating,
“The US will not enter into any agreement with a country that poses a risk of nuclear weapon proliferation,” Rubio said during a visit to the Philippines.
Some Democratic leaders recalled Rubio’s earlier support, as a senator, for legislation that blocked Saudi Arabia from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Markey criticized Rubio and Trump, labeling their stance as “hypocritical” and “dangerously reckless.”
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