DID Press: New details of a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia have raised concerns among nonproliferation experts and lawmakers over whether the deal provides sufficient safeguards against the spread of nuclear weapons.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the agreement and related documents were provided to members of the U.S. Congress last week. The documents outline a framework under which Saudi Arabia could eventually pursue uranium enrichment on its territory following further consultations.
According to the agreement, the United States and Saudi Arabia will conduct a two-year joint study examining options for uranium enrichment and conversion. The deal allows for the possibility of enrichment if both sides subsequently agree in writing. Arms-control experts say the framework could permit enrichment to nearly 20%, a level that remains below weapons-grade enrichment but represents a significant increase in proliferation risk.