US-Saudi nuclear deal signals long-term energy alliance amid proliferation concerns

The US and Saudi Arabia signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact to build civilian nuclear capacity, with reports that Saudi enrichment on its own soil could be allowed; supporters say it strengthens US-Saudi ties and nonproliferation safeguards, while critics warn of proliferation risks and a regional arms race, and Congress is unlikely to block it given the projected multi-year timeline.