Trump's Saudi nuclear deal reaches Congress as experts warn of proliferation risk
Some Democratic lawmakers and nonproliferation advocates have criticized the pact for not including a permanent prohibition on enrichment or reprocessing.
The Trump administration's nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia has reached Congress, sparking concerns among some lawmakers and nonproliferation experts about the potential risks of nuclear proliferation. The deal, which was finalized in 2020, allows Saudi Arabia to develop its own nuclear program with US assistance, but critics argue that it does not go far enough in preventing the kingdom from pursuing sensitive nuclear technologies.
From a trade perspective, the deal is significant because it could have major implications for the global nuclear industry. Saudi Arabia's nuclear program could create new business opportunities for US companies, such as Westinghouse and General Electric, which have been eager to expand into the Middle East market. However, the deal's critics argue that it could also create new risks, including the potential for nuclear materials to be diverted for non-peaceful purposes.
As the deal moves through Congress, trade-watchers should be paying close attention to how lawmakers respond to concerns about nuclear proliferation. If the deal is approved, it could set a precedent for future nuclear cooperation agreements with other countries in the region, potentially creating new opportunities for US companies but also new risks for the global nuclear industry. Key things to watch include any proposed amendments to the deal and the level of support it receives from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Originally reported by cnbc.com. Trade-News adds analysis for finance & markets readers.