Donald Trump has approved a significant nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that permits the kingdom to develop its own civilian nuclear program. The deal, reportedly worth tens of billions of dollars, comes as the conflict with Iran escalates, leading to increased oil prices and threats to global shipping routes.
Under the terms of the agreement, US companies are expected to play a central role in constructing uranium enrichment facilities within Saudi Arabia. Saudi leaders have reportedly agreed to limited international inspections of these sites, intended to prevent the diversion of enriched fuel for weapons development. The pact is slated to last 30 years and will be presented to Congress, where opponents would need a veto-proof majority to block it.
The agreement has drawn opposition from some U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials who fear that a civilian program could serve as a precursor to nuclear weapons development. Notably, Trump has waived a previous requirement for such a deal to be contingent on Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel.
This development is particularly controversial given the United States' previous military actions aimed at preventing Iran from enriching uranium for its own nuclear program. The conflict with Iran has intensified recently, with Iranian-backed Houthi militants declaring a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia. This move threatens the Red Sea shipping lane, a critical route for the kingdom's oil exports, potentially impacting a quarter of the world's oil and gas supply. Brent crude oil prices rose to $95 a barrel amid heightened tensions.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that the kingdom would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran developed them. Saudi officials maintain that the nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes, aiming to power the nation and increase crude oil exports. The kingdom has also been experiencing drone and missile attacks from Iran since the resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran earlier this month.
The announcement coincides with ongoing U.S. military strikes against Iran, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated were a response to Iran not taking peace talks seriously. Fighting reignited two weeks ago after ceasefire negotiations failed, prompting ten consecutive nights of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets. The U.S. aims to curb Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to alleged Iranian violations, including attacks on oil tankers, the U.S. Navy has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and seized several vessels. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on water and power facilities in Gulf nations. The conflict has resulted in 17 American troop deaths and nearly 100 injuries over the past two weeks.