The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement on Wednesday that could pave the way for the kingdom to develop uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program.US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the agreement, known as the 123 Agreement, with the Trump administration describing it as a bilateral safeguards agreement.While the administration has released few details, it is expected that the framework will allow for a joint US-Saudi study on building a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. The agreement is expected to remain in place for 30 years and involve US companies in the development of the program.“These agreements reflect the shared commitment of our two countries to strengthen U.S.-Saudi commercial relations, promoting prosperity at home and the security of our allies abroad,” Wright said.“Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear security and nonproliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed in the United States,” he said.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the deal and dismissed concerns that it could lead to nuclear proliferation in the region.“The United States is not going to reach any agreement with any country in the world that would risk proliferation,” Rubio said.The deal will now be submitted to the US Congress for review, where it may face opposition from lawmakers, as allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium could ultimately increase the risk of nuclear weapons development.The announcement comes as the US and Israel continue a military campaign against Iran, with Washington saying Tehran’s uranium enrichment program could enable it to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies, insisting its program is for peaceful purposes.