US to announce deal allowing Saudi Arabia a nuclear programme

The US and Saudi Arabia are set to announce a significant agreement allowing Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program. This deal, expected to be revealed by the Trump administration, could be financially beneficial for the US, as American companies might help build a facility to produce enriched uranium. While this uranium can fuel power plants, it also has the potential to create nuclear weapons, raising concerns among nuclear experts and Israeli officials. Unlike a previous agreement with the UAE, this deal might permit Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically, which worries nuclear non-proliferation advocates. The agreement, lasting 30 years, has been approved by Trump and will be reviewed by Congress, where it faces potential opposition. Notably, the deal does not require Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, a longstanding US diplomatic goal. QUESTION: How might the development of a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia impact global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation?