US President Donald Trump has submitted a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress for review, reportedly under the Atomic Energy Act. This agreement aims to enhance the kingdom’s civilian nuclear programme. A Trump administration official confirmed that the classified document reached Capitol Hill on Monday. The official, along with three others who spoke anonymously, indicated that the document’s classification is higher than usual for such agreements.

Signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart last month in Washington, the deal has created a significant point of contention. Trump’s insistence that Saudi Arabia normalises relations with Israel as a condition for the agreement has raised questions regarding its finalisation. A day after the agreement was signed, Trump reiterated this demand, which could complicate the process moving forward.

Congress has a 90-day period to review the agreement while in session. If lawmakers do not pass a joint resolution rejecting it during this time, the agreement can take effect without a formal vote in either chamber. The unusual level of classification surrounding this agreement contrasts with previous civil nuclear pacts that have typically included publicly accessible information.

Concerns Over Nuclear Proliferation and Regional Stability

The potential implications of this nuclear agreement have drawn scrutiny from various lawmakers. Some are particularly concerned that if approved, it may enable Saudi Arabia to pursue its longstanding ambition of uranium enrichment. This has raised alarms regarding possible nuclear proliferation in the region, which could instigate a new arms race among neighbouring countries.

Saudi Arabia’s stance on normalising relations with Israel reportedly hinges on establishing a clear pathway for Palestinian statehood. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently dismissed this proposition as unfeasible for Israeli security, thereby complicating the diplomatic landscape further.

Trump’s requirement that Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords, which were enacted in 2020 and facilitated diplomatic ties between Israel and various Arab nations, complicates the approval process. Saudi Arabia has reportedly expressed surprise at the notion that completion of the nuclear deal is contingent upon their acceptance of these accords.

Future of US-Saudi Cooperation and Economic Involvement

If passed, the nuclear agreement is expected to have a duration of 30 years and would involve American firms in the development of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear capabilities. This collaboration is anticipated to follow a joint study conducted by the US and Saudi Arabia.

The submission of this agreement to Congress was first brought to light by The Wall Street Journal, indicating that the review process has commenced. The linkage between the Saudi nuclear agreement and the potential normalisation of relations with Israel remains a pivotal issue in this situation.

As discussions progress, the implications of such an agreement for both US foreign policy and regional stability are yet to be fully realised. The influence of Congressional feedback will likely shape the agreement’s trajectory in the coming months, as key stakeholders navigate these diplomatic complexities.

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