US, Saudi Arabia clinch defining nuclear, F-35 deals in major strategic push

US, Saudi Arabia clinch defining nuclear, F-35 deals in major strategic push

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed agreements on civil nuclear energy and the sale of advanced US-made F-35 fighter jets during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington on Tuesday, the White House said.

The two countries ratified a “joint declaration” on civil nuclear energy that “builds the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar nuclear energy partnership” in line with “strong nonproliferation standards,” the White House said in a statement.

In addition, President Donald Trump approved a “major defence sale package,” which includes future deliveries of F-35 advanced American fighter jets.

The sale of the stealth fighter jets to the kingdom, which has requested to buy 48 of the advanced aircraft, would mark the first US sale of the advanced fighter jets to Riyadh, a significant policy shift.

The deal could alter the military balance in the Middle East and test Washington’s definition of maintaining what the US has termed Israel’s “qualitative military edge.” Until now, Israel has been the only country in the Middle East to have the F-35.

The crown prince has been seeking a deal to unlock access to US nuclear technology and help Saudi Arabia level up with the UAE and traditional regional foe Iran.

But progress on such a nuclear pact has been difficult because the Saudis have resisted a US stipulation that would rule out enriching uranium or reprocessing spent fuel – both potential paths to a bomb.

Trump said earlier that he could see a deal on civilian nuclear power happening, but added, “It’s not urgent.”

‘Major, non-Nato ally’
During a formal black-tie dinner at the White House later on Tuesday, Trump also announced he was designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-Nato ally, as he hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a gala dinner at the White House.

“Tonight, I’m pleased to announce that we’re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-Nato ally, which is something that is very important to them,” Trump said.

courtesy the news english

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