The United States plans to announce an agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday that would support a civilian nuclear program, according to multiple media reports. Citing two unnamed U.S. officials, outlets including The New York Times report that the Trump administration intends to formally sign and announce the deal on that date. The administration says the agreement will provide billions of dollars for the U.S. nuclear industry.
Under one reported provision, which would run for 30 years, American companies could build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint study concludes that it is warranted. The deal is also expected to be submitted to Congress in the coming days, though the reports say congressional approval is not required for the agreement to proceed.
Some U.S. lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials have raised objections to a Saudi civilian nuclear program, citing concerns that it could be used to support a future nuclear weapons capability. The reports note that the announcement comes as fighting continues in Yemen between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
