US President Donald Trump Approves Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia for Uranium Enrichment

Key facts

• President Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia that could provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capability for its civilian nuclear program.
• The deal is expected to last 30 years and involve US firms in developing the program.
• The agreement could allow for the building of a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia following a joint US-Saudi study.
• Nonproliferation experts warn that any enrichment capability in Saudi Arabia could open the door to a possible weapons program.
• Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact after Israel attacked Qatar targeting Hamas officials.
• Pakistan's defense minister stated that Pakistan's nuclear program will be made available to Saudi Arabia if needed.
• The United Arab Emirates signed a '123 agreement' with the US for its Barakah nuclear power plant without seeking enrichment, considered the 'gold standard'.