Trump approves Saudi Arabia nuclear deal that could see Middle Eastern nation enriching own uranium

WASHINGTON — President Trump has approved a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that could lead to the Middle Eastern kingdom enriching its own uranium, US officials have confirmed.The deal, expected to be formally announced later Wednesday and submitted to Congress soon after, will be in effect through 2056 and be worth tens of billions of dollars, the officials said.The pact was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.Under the terms of the agreement, American firms would construct a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia upon the conclusion of a joint feasibility study by the two nations.If Washington and Riyadh agree such a step is warranted, US officials say, American influence would prevent the program from being misused for military purposes.Wednesday’s announcement comes as the US steps up its war against Iran, the main goal of which is to prevent the Islamic theocracy — Saudi Arabia’s great rival in the Middle East — from acquiring a nuclear weapon....