The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that paves the way for long-term collaboration on nuclear energy projects. The deal establishes the legal framework for US technology and investment in the Kingdom’s civil nuclear program and now awaits congressional review.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that establishes the legal framework for long-term collaboration in the nuclear energy sector and supports the Kingdom’s plans to develop a domestic civil nuclear industry.
The agreement was signed in Washington by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, alongside a separate bilateral safeguards agreement.
According to the US Department of Energy, the accords lay the foundation for a multi-billion-dollar partnership expected to span decades while advancing economic, strategic and nuclear non-proliferation objectives.
The agreement, commonly known as a 123 Agreement, allows Saudi Arabia to develop civilian nuclear reactors using US technology.
It also permits cooperation in areas related to the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium enrichment and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, activities that can also have potential military applications if diverted from peaceful use.
Saudi Arabia remains a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), under which it has committed not to pursue nuclear weapons and accepts international safeguards on its civilian nuclear program.
However, the agreement does not include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, which provides the UN nuclear watchdog with broader inspection powers, including access to undeclared sites on short notice.
The US administration said the agreement fully complies with the non-proliferation requirements set out under the US Atomic Energy Act and will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress, where lawmakers will have a 90-day review period. It will enter into force unless Congress votes to block it, a move that would require a two-thirds majority to override a presidential veto.
The agreement has already drawn criticism from several Democratic lawmakers, who warned it could increase nuclear proliferation risks in the Middle East.
Senator Edward Markey argued that allowing Saudi Arabia access to sensitive nuclear technologies could undermine regional security, while Senator Chris Murphy warned the deal could encourage a regional nuclear competition and complicate efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear program.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that the Kingdom does not seek nuclear weapons but would pursue them if Iran were to acquire one.
Saudi Arabia has long sought to develop nuclear power as part of its energy diversification strategy. The Kingdom aims to reduce domestic oil consumption for electricity generation, increase crude oil exports, lower carbon emissions and provide reliable power for industries such as desalination and large-scale air conditioning, dw.com reports.
The agreement is also expected to create significant commercial opportunities for US companies seeking to participate in Saudi Arabia’s expanding civil nuclear program.
