🔻The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have signed a deal dubbed “peaceful nuclear cooperation,” which, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, will provide broad access for American companies to Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy program.

According to a BBC correspondent in Washington, the agreement is considered an important achievement for Saudi Arabia; a country that has been seeking access to U.S. nuclear technology for years.

Before the deal was officially announced, some U.S. media reported that it could also allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, although the final details of the agreement have not yet been released.

According to a BBC security correspondent, critics are concerned that if Saudi Arabia begins uranium enrichment on its own soil, it may encourage Iran’s hardliners to pursue a covert effort to speed up the development of a nuclear weapon.

The U.S. Energy Secretary emphasized that the agreement has been drawn up based on the highest standards of nuclear safety and security.

📷 Reuters