The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press report that President Trump approved an agreement to cooperate on nuclear energy with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for a uranium enrichment facility on Saudi soil. Experts warn the move could spark a regional nuclear arms race, following earlier Israeli warnings against the deal.
The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press confirmed Wednesday evening that President Trump has approved a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that includes provisions for uranium enrichment on Saudi soil — the latest and most authoritative corroboration of a deal that has been reported throughout the day.
The sequence of reports began early Wednesday morning (05:56 Jerusalem) when The New York Times reported Trump had separated the deal from the requirement that Riyadh normalize relations with Israel. Within minutes, Yediot Ahronot reported the US had signed the agreement, and US administration sources confirmed to multiple outlets that it spans 30 years with American companies developing infrastructure. Reuters reported the deal omits the 'gold standard' enrichment ban and full IAEA oversight protocols. By midday, a US official confirmed to CNN that Trump had approved the deal, and N12 (citing CBS) reported the signing was set for 20:30 with US companies managing Saudi plants. Channel 14 then reported Trump's approval. At 21:05 Jerusalem, as The Zioneer reported, senior Israeli officials warned that permitting Saudi uranium enrichment constitutes a 'bright red line' and a 'danger to Israel's security.' The WSJ and AP reports now provide the strongest confirmation from major news outlets.
The development unfolds as the Trump administration simultaneously pursues a nuclear deal with Iran. As The Zioneer has reported, secret talks with Tehran have progressed, with a potential agreement seen as imminent. The Saudi deal, lacking the 'gold standard' clause that bars enrichment and reprocessing, has raised concerns among experts about a regional nuclear arms race.
What remains open: The deal will be submitted to Congress, which has approximately 90 days to object. The specific safeguards and verification mechanisms for the Saudi enrichment facility have not been detailed, and it is unclear how the kingdom's enrichment will be monitored to prevent diversion to military purposes.
9 developments
- DevelopingIsrael Hayom reports new details of Trump-Saudi nuclear deal, confirms uranium enrichment on Saudi soil
- DevelopingZioneer analysis: US-Saudi nuclear deal enables uranium enrichment, risks regional arms race
- StrongIsraeli officials warn US allowing Saudi uranium enrichment is 'red line', 'danger to security'
- DevelopingDraft US-Saudi agreement may allow Saudi uranium enrichment without full international safeguards
Source and signal
- Internal intake