Saudis Reach Deal With U.S. That Could Let Them Enrich Nuclear Fuel

Key Points:

• The Trump administration plans to announce a broad nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that would allow the kingdom to enrich its own nuclear fuel for reactors, aiming to strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties amid tensions with Iran.
• The deal is expected to generate billions of dollars for the U.S. nuclear industry, particularly benefiting companies like Westinghouse, which designs many reactors sold internationally.
• The agreement has faced opposition from some U.S. lawmakers across parties and Israeli officials, who fear it could enable Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of civilian nuclear energy.
• Initially linked to Saudi recognition of Israel during the Biden administration, the nuclear cooperation deal was separated from this diplomatic condition following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.
• The agreement will be subject to Congressional review and could face a resolution of disapproval, but it is likely to pass given the difficulty of overriding a presidential veto.