The United States has signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme under American partnership.
The agreement, approved by President Donald Trump and signed by the US Department of Energy on Wednesday, will now be forwarded to Congress for a mandatory review before taking effect.
Known as a “123 Agreement,” the deal is expected to remain in force for 30 years and will see American companies provide technology, expertise and support to build Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear infrastructure.
As part of the arrangement, Saudi Arabia could eventually enrich uranium for civilian nuclear reactors, but only under strict conditions. Before any enrichment begins, a joint US-Saudi team must determine whether such a facility is commercially viable and necessary. If approved, the enrichment plant would be constructed by American companies without transferring sensitive enrichment technology to the kingdom.
The agreement also prevents Saudi Arabia from developing its own enrichment technology or acquiring it from another country for the next 10 years.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the agreement upholds high standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation while strengthening long-term cooperation between both countries.
According to the Department of Energy, the partnership is expected to generate billions of dollars in investment for the American nuclear industry while creating thousands of high-paying jobs.
Saudi Arabia also welcomed the agreement, describing it as part of both countries’ shared commitment to expanding cooperation in energy and future technologies.
Despite its economic benefits, the deal is expected to attract scrutiny from lawmakers and regional allies because uranium enrichment technology can potentially be used to produce nuclear weapons.
Unlike previous agreements signed with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia will not be required to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, widely regarded as the “gold standard” for nuclear inspections.
Instead, Washington and Riyadh negotiated a separate safeguards arrangement after Saudi officials objected to provisions they believed could allow international inspectors access to sensitive locations, including the holy city of Mecca and royal palaces.
The new safeguards agreement will still require approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors.
Supporters of the deal argue it will strengthen America’s influence over Saudi Arabia’s nuclear programme while preventing rivals such as China and Russia from dominating the kingdom’s nuclear sector.
However, critics warn the agreement could encourage other countries in the Middle East to seek similar concessions.
Democratic Senator Ed Markey criticised the agreement, warning that it could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in the region.
Henry Sokolski, head of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, also questioned the precedent the agreement could set for countries such as Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with Iran continuing to defend its uranium enrichment programme despite months of US military strikes. Tehran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said the kingdom would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran successfully developed one.
The agreement will now undergo congressional review, where lawmakers can seek to block it through resolutions of disapproval, although such efforts face significant political hurdles.
