James Fitzgerald

The US is expected to announce a deal enabling Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear programme, including possible uranium enrichment at a US-built facility. The agreement, approved by President Donald Trump, could bring significant economic benefits to US companies but has raised proliferation concerns in Israel and among non-proliferation advocates. The plan includes restrictions if the US opposes enrichment after a joint study, and will be reviewed by Congress, where bipartisan opposition is possible. The deal is not tied to Saudi-Israeli diplomatic normalisation and comes amid regional tensions driven by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.