Tangent
The deal reportedly does not include some of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s more stringent nuclear inspection protocols, like the ones the United Arab Emirates are subject to under a similar agreement. The UAE also agreed not to produce its own nuclear fuel.
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Key Background
The agreement is widely considered a win for Saudi Arabia, which has been angling for a deal for years, dating back to the first Trump administration. The agreement, which lasts 30 years, has raised fears it could facilitate a path to Saudi Arabia obtaining a nuclear weapon—something Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has warned the kingdom will pursue if Iran also does. The deal comes as Trump’s close relationship with Saudi Arabia has been strained by the Iran war. Iran has launched attacks on Saudi Arabia since the start of the war with the U.S., and Saudi Arabia was among several Gulf states that said the U.S. could not launch attacks on Iran from its bases in those countries.
What To Watch For
Congress has 90 in-session days to approve the agreement. It’s all but certain to pass, as it requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to override.
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further reading
Trump Gives Saudis Concessions In Tentative Nuclear Deal—As Family Business Is Increasingly Tied To Kingdom (Forbes)
Trump Bolstered Saudi Business Connections Amid Nuclear Discussions (Forbes)
Trump Administration Reportedly Clears Landmark Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia (Forbes)