The United States has confirmed signing a civilian nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia, according to the Times of Israel. The agreement, which had been the subject of earlier analysis, reportedly includes provisions for uranium enrichment on Saudi soil.
The United States has officially confirmed the signing of a civilian nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia, according to a report by the Times of Israel. The confirmation, published Wednesday evening, formalizes an agreement that had been reported in stages throughout the day, following earlier announcements by the Department of Energy and reports of President Trump's approval.
The thread of reporting began early Wednesday at 05:56 Jerusalem, when multiple outlets — including Yediot Ahronot, The New York Times, and Channel 14 — reported that the US had signed or approved the deal. Within the same minute, the Department of Energy announced the signing, and the Wall Street Journal and Associated Press confirmed Trump's approval, including provisions for uranium enrichment on Saudi soil. The Zioneer published an analysis of the agreement's requirements for congressional approval and non-proliferation safeguards, also at 05:56 Jerusalem.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Wednesday, the 30-year agreement, worth tens of billions of dollars, permits uranium enrichment on Saudi soil with US companies building and managing the facility. The deal does not include the 'gold standard' clause banning enrichment and reprocessing of spent fuel, nor the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol for expanded oversight, according to a Reuters report cited by The Zioneer.
What remains unconfirmed is the exact scope of enrichment permitted and the specific safeguards mechanism, including the 'black box' arrangement that US officials have described as preventing diversion to military purposes. The agreement is expected to undergo congressional review, which could take up to 90 days.
13 developments
- DevelopingCommentary: US-Saudi nuclear deal a 'gift' that risks 'oil economy confrontation'
- ConfirmedRubio: Saudi Arabia seeks 'peaceful, civil nuclear programme'
- StrongWhite House spokesperson: US-Saudi nuclear deal puts American interests first
- StrongTrump: I did not explicitly discuss Saudi deal with Energy Minister
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