Newsweek is reporting that the United States has finalized a new nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, an agreement struck yesterday as American missiles continue to target Iran. The deal could potentially grant Riyadh the ability to construct its own uranium enrichment facilities as part of its civilian nuclear program, possibly without undergoing stringent inspections by the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Newsweek said the agreement has been met with significant criticism, including accusations of hypocrisy and warnings that it could accelerate a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. It noted that while these criticisms are understandable, they may not fully address a deeper, more consequential problem.