President Donald Trump has approved a U.S. agreement with Saudi Arabia for a civilian nuclear program, despite concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation in the Middle East.

The plan, which is set to be formally announced on Wednesday, would generate billions of dollars for the American nuclear industry.

U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials have expressed concern about the implications of the agreement, which includes two secret letters whose contents have not been disclosed. The deal is expected to win congressional approval. Such an agreement has been discussed for many years. Under former President Joseph Biden, it would have required Saudi recognition of Israel, but Trump’s proposal renounced that demand.

Trump agreed to terms that may limit access by inspectors to Saudi Arabian sites, which could lead to weapons development. He also agreed to terms that may allow the Saudis to enrich uranium and reprocess plutonium. The agreement rolls back limitations negotiated by the Bush and Obama administrations. This contrasts with the thorough restrictions the U.S. placed on the nuclear deal with the UAE in 2009, which included a renunciation of the UAE’s right to produce its own fuel to ensure it could not start producing arms.

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman has promised he would “without a doubt” build nuclear weapons if Iran does, in an interview with CBS News. The Saudis have been insisting on a U.S. mutual defense agreement including nuclear cooperation for many years. One of the reasons behind it was to deter Iran.

During the war with Iran this year, the U.S. supplied Saudi Arabia with additional interceptor missiles for air defense. Despite this, Saudi officials have concerns about the U.S. policy in the Middle East and its partnership with Israel, which they see as a danger to Gulf countries.

The agreement likely reflects Washington’s growing willingness to accept greater proliferation risks in exchange for strengthening ties with Gulf partners, especially in the context of continued uncertainty over Iran’s long-term nuclear ambitions. (EIR)