Story
Trump Approves Multi-Billion Dollar Nuclear Energy Deal With Saudi Arabia, WSJ Reports
Summary
President Trump has reportedly approved a 30-year agreement worth tens of billions of dollars to help Saudi Arabia develop a civilian nuclear program, giving U.S. companies a central role, according to The Wall Street Journal.
President Trump has approved a 30-year agreement to help Saudi Arabia develop a civilian nuclear program, a deal estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars that would give U.S. companies a central role, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing administration officials.
Details of the Accord
The agreement is structured to position American firms as the primary developers of Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure, effectively excluding foreign competitors, according to the report. For the U.S. nuclear industry, the deal represents a major potential contract securing a key international market.
A significant provision would permit U.S. companies to construct a uranium enrichment facility within Saudi Arabia. This step, however, is contingent on the outcome of a joint U.S.-Saudi study determining that such a facility is warranted.
Administration officials told the WSJ this condition is designed to give the U.S. leverage over the Saudi program and serve as a safeguard against its potential conversion for military purposes.
AdNext Steps and Expected Scrutiny
President Trump reportedly approved the agreement late last week. It is expected to be formally signed Tuesday by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the WSJ said.
Following the signing, the accord is set to be submitted to the U.S. Congress for a mandatory review in the coming days. The deal is anticipated to face significant scrutiny and opposition from lawmakers who have previously expressed concerns about the proliferation of nuclear technology in the Middle East.
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