Bangladesh, July 26 -- For years, the proposed civil nuclear cooperation agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States has been the subject of intense debate in Washington, Riyadh, and across the broader Middle East. Critics have questioned its strategic implications, while supporters argue that it represents one of the most consequential long-term partnerships between the two countries. Far from being a hastily arranged political initiative, the agreement is the culmination of more than a decade of negotiations involving multiple US administrations and successive Saudi governments.

Some political opponents of US President Donald Trump have argued that the agreement demonstrates favoritism toward Saudi Arabia at the expense of Ame...