U.S. and Saudi Arabia Sign Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

The United States and Saudi Arabia have formalized a partnership for the development of Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program through a newly signed agreement. The U.S. Department of Energy announced the deal, which was signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

This accord is intended to lay the legal groundwork for a long-term, multi-billion dollar collaboration, potentially enabling U.S. companies to participate in the construction of nuclear facilities and fuel production for power plants. A separate bilateral agreement on security measures was also inked, with U.S. officials asserting it meets the highest standards for nuclear safety and non-proliferation.

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The agreement meets the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation.

However, the agreement has drawn scrutiny from nuclear experts and some U.S. lawmakers. Concerns persist that uranium enrichment technology can be used for both peaceful energy production and the development of nuclear weapons. Reports indicate the deal prohibits Saudi Arabia from developing its own uranium enrichment technology for ten years, with any potential facilities likely to be built by U.S. companies, and sensitive technologies withheld from the Saudi side.

Notably, the agreement does not obligate Saudi Arabia to sign the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) additional protocol, which grants broader inspection powers. Instead, it relies on a specific bilateral safeguard system, subject to IAEA confirmation. The absence of a requirement for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel, a condition previously linked to such agreements by Washington, also marks a shift in diplomatic strategy.

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The U.S. will not accept a deal that increases the risk of nuclear proliferation.