The Arms Control Association (ACA) has issued a warning regarding a proposed multibillion-dollar nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, indicating that it could lead to the latter developing nuclear weapons. This deal comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has threatened further military action against Iran to deter its uranium enrichment activities, heightening regional tensions. The arrangement, which builds on a previous civil nuclear cooperation framework established the previous year, would allow US companies to bid on contracts for Saudi Arabia's inaugural nuclear reactors, significantly deepening nuclear ties between the two countries.

As part of the deal, the '123 Agreement' would facilitate the transfer of US nuclear technology and materials to Saudi Arabia, representing a potential financial bonanza valued in the tens of billions. However, concerns have been raised about the agreement lacking adequate measures to prevent nuclear weapon proliferation, as highlighted by the ACA's inspection and subsequent report. The absence of stringent safeguards means that Saudi Arabia could potentially engage in uranium enrichment, a critical step towards developing nuclear arms, which could destabilize the already volatile Middle Eastern region.

The implications of this proposed agreement are profound, not only for US-Saudi relations but also for international nonproliferation efforts. Critics argue that enabling a country with a contentious regional posture to acquire nuclear capabilities could provoke a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, prompting other nations to seek similar agreements or capabilities. The outcome of this deal could have lasting effects on the geopolitical landscape and influence global nuclear oversight practices as well, as various stakeholders watch closely how the Trump administration navigates this complex situation.