US confirms signing a nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia, to Israel’s alarm

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a “123 agreement,” on Wednesday, potentially allowing Saudi Arabia to develop uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the agreements "uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation." However, the deal has raised alarms in Israel and among some US lawmakers due to fears that Saudi Arabia could eventually convert the program to develop nuclear weapons. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision, asserting, "The US is not going to reach any agreement with any country in the world that leads to the risk of proliferation."