Green light from Trump for nuclear cooperation with Saudis, deepening uncertainty over regional atomic race

US President Donald Trump has approved an agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, a move expected to generate deep concerns and extensive debate over security in the Middle East region.

Information published by media outlets such as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal indicates that the document has been signed by Trump and is expected to be officially made public on Wednesday.

Known as the “123 Agreement,” it establishes the legal foundations for a civil atomic partnership between Washington and Riyadh, but does not automatically imply the immediate transfer of the most sensitive nuclear technologies or materials.

CNN reports that the White House administration has agreed to offer Saudi Arabia the option of uranium enrichment, without insisting on the implementation of some standard international security measures designed to prevent the production of atomic weapons.

Sources close to the talks have confirmed that the content of the agreement includes terms dictated by the American side, but the details of those limitations remain confidential to the public.

The state of Israel, which is suspected of holding an undeclared atomic arsenal, has repeatedly expressed its concerns regarding Saudi nuclear ambitions, viewing the agreement as an element that could upset the balance of power in the area.

Meanwhile, Tehran continues to fuel suspicions with its atomic program, claiming it serves only peaceful purposes, even though it has already accumulated large quantities of enriched uranium. In this context, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously warned that the kingdom would follow in Iran’s footsteps if the latter managed to equip itself with nuclear weapons.