President Donald Trump has approved a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to develop uranium enrichment capabilities for a civilian nuclear program.

The deal, expected to be submitted to Congress, could involve U.S. companies and last for 30 years, but it has raised concerns over safeguards against nuclear weapons development.

Critics argue the timing is controversial because the U.S. is currently confronting Iran over its own uranium enrichment activities.

Supporters say the agreement would strengthen U.S. influence in the global nuclear energy market and help Saudi Arabia diversify its energy sources, The Guardian has reported.

Lawmakers and nonproliferation experts are expected to closely scrutinize the deal over monitoring requirements and regional security risks.