The Trump administration is expected to send a long-awaited civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress within days, opening the door for US companies to participate in the Kingdom’s expanding nuclear energy sector while raising concerns over the omission of key non-proliferation safeguards.
According to Reuters, the proposed agreement, known as a Section 123 Agreement under the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, is expected to be signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman before being submitted for congressional review.
The agreement would establish the legal framework allowing American companies and government agencies to assist Saudi Arabia in developing a civilian nuclear power program, potentially worth billions of dollars.
Key Safeguards Omitted
Sources familiar with the negotiations told Reuters that the proposed agreement does not include the so-called “Gold Standard” provision, which prohibits a partner country from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, activities that can also provide pathways to producing nuclear weapons.
The draft agreement also reportedly excludes the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Additional Protocol, which grants inspectors broader authority to conduct surprise inspections and verify that nuclear activities remain exclusively peaceful.
One source said the agreement would provide a legal framework for cooperation across the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium enrichment, but would not commit the United States to transferring sensitive enrichment technology or capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
Congressional Review
Once formally submitted, Congress will have approximately 90 days of continuous session to review the agreement.
Lawmakers could block the deal through a joint resolution, although overturning a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
The proposed agreement is expected to face close scrutiny from members of Congress concerned about nuclear non-proliferation. Several Democrats and some Republicans have previously argued that any nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia should include stricter safeguards.
Regional Security Concerns
The proposed agreement comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions and longstanding concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that while Saudi Arabia does not seek nuclear weapons, the Kingdom would pursue them if Iran were to develop one.
Saudi Arabia has also maintained that it wants to retain the right to enrich uranium as part of its civilian nuclear program.
By c
