The United States will provide Saudi Arabia with the infrastructure needed to develop a nuclear programme, as agreed by the governments of the two countries.
The agreement provides, among other things, that American companies will build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, and includes a provision to prevent its use for military purposes. This will take place once a joint U.S.–Saudi study concludes that such a step is justified.
The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress for consideration in the coming days. It has already drawn criticism from many lawmakers who oppose the spread of nuclear technology in the unstable Middle East, although it will be difficult to block it. To do so, a joint resolution and a two-thirds majority would be required if it became necessary to override a possible presidential veto.
Saudi Arabia says that its intentions are peaceful, although the country’s Crown Prince has previously stated that if Iran ever develops a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia will do the same.
The main issue for Congress is whether the safeguards included in the agreement are sufficient to prevent the development of a nuclear weapon in the country.
Saudi officials have long argued that the agreement is necessary for the Kingdom to develop a nuclear industry. This would make use of uranium ore deposits that have not yet been proven commercially viable, with the aim of meeting domestic energy needs.
As a result, a larger share of the country’s oil production would become available for export, increasing its revenues.
Source: Wall Street Journal
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