Trump Approves Nuclear Deal to Support Saudi Civilian Program

U.S. President Donald Trump has formally approved a nuclear agreement aimed at helping Saudi Arabia develop a civilian nuclear program.

According to The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, the approval was granted on Tuesday (July 22). The report was also carried by Anadolu Agency.

The proposed 30-year agreement is reportedly worth several billion dollars. Its primary objective is to give U.S. companies a leading role in developing Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure while limiting the involvement of other foreign competitors.

The report also states that, if deemed necessary following a joint U.S.-Saudi assessment, American companies will build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, the United States will play a supervisory role in Saudi Arabia's nuclear program. Officials in the Trump administration say this oversight is intended to help ensure that the program is not used for the development of nuclear weapons.

However, the agreement is expected to face scrutiny when it is submitted to the U.S. Congress for review in the coming days. Many lawmakers have expressed concern over expanding Saudi Arabia's nuclear capabilities amid continued instability in the Middle East.