Atoms for Influence: Why the US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Could Destabilize the Middle East

The US–Saudi nuclear deal risks prioritizing Washington’s strategic influence and commercial interests over strict non-proliferation safeguards, potentially creating a latent Saudi nuclear capability and triggering a wider regional arms race. The genie must not be let out of the bottle.

What is the US-Saudi Nuclear Deal?

The 30-year agreement is intended to fulfill the “energy requirements” of the Kingdom. With this agreement, the US companies will play a central role in establishing the nuclear infrastructure of the country. As per the reports from the Wall Street Journal, under this agreement, both countries will cooperate to examine the possibility and necessity of enrichment at Saudi facilities for a period of two years. There is enough nuclear fuel produced elsewhere to run future Saudi nuclear reactors. In any enrichment that takes place within Saudi territory, American companies will use technology not shared with the Saudis.

The Enrichment Question: Where the Real Danger Lies

A door left ajar can eventually become an open gate. The timing, some aspects of the agreement, and the president under whom this deal is being put forward are all critical. For a long time, Saudi Arabia has openly declared that if Iran built a nuclear bomb, Saudis would do the same. The ongoing US-Iran war is expanding in its scope day by day at an alarming rate, with the US once again accusing........

© New Eastern Outlook