U.S. Reaches Landmark Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia

U.S. and Saudi Arabia Sign Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

The U.S. Energy Department announced on Wednesday that it has signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. The agreement, known as a 123 agreement, and an accompanying bilateral safeguards agreement were signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The documents set terms for potential U.S. involvement in Saudi nuclear energy projects, subject to congressional review.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration formally approved the agreement last week. Negotiations on the framework have continued across multiple U.S. administrations, including the first Trump term and the Biden administration. The deal would last 30 years and prioritize U.S. companies for work on Saudi nuclear infrastructure, including the possibility of a uranium enrichment facility.

Under the reported terms, a two-year joint U.S.-Saudi study would assess whether enrichment in Saudi Arabia is commercially viable. If the United States determines after the study that it will not support indigenous enrichment, Saudi Arabia would be barred from pursuing enrichment independently or with another partner for 10 years, according to the Journal. The agreement also addresses limits on the diversion of enriched uranium for military use and on reprocessing of spent fuel.

Saudi officials have stated that a nuclear power program would allow the kingdom to reduce domestic oil consumption and increase exports. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed interest in developing a full nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium production and enrichment. In 2019, Prince Abdulaziz stated the country’s intent to pursue the full cycle, and in January 2023 he indicated plans to produce low-enriched uranium.

The United States has maintained a 123 agreement with the United Arab Emirates since 2009. In that agreement, the UAE committed not to enrich uranium domestically or reprocess spent fuel. Saudi Arabia has declined to accept the same restrictions. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated in 2018 that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran acquired them. Saudi Arabia ratified the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 1988.

Congress will review the agreement. Some members have expressed concerns about enrichment provisions and verification measures. Rep. Gregory Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that the accord requires appropriate limits on enrichment and reprocessing as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency Additional Protocol. Sen. Ed Markey has introduced legislation that would require congressional approval for any civilian nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

The agreement is expected to take effect unless Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval, which would be subject to presidential veto and a two-thirds override vote. During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Rep. Brad Sherman noted that Westinghouse could receive substantial contracts under the deal. No specific contract awards have been announced.

U.S. officials have stated that the agreement incorporates nonproliferation standards. Secretary Wright said the agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation and rely on U.S. technology. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States will not conclude any agreement that creates proliferation risk.

The agreement occurs alongside U.S. efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program. Iran maintains that its activities are for peaceful purposes. Saudi Arabia has engaged with China and Russia on nuclear matters in recent years; U.S. officials have said the agreement could limit the role of those countries in Saudi nuclear development.

Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association stated that the agreement sets a precedent that could lead other suppliers to negotiate bilateral arrangements outside IAEA frameworks. Bonnie Jenkins, former under secretary of state for arms control, noted the absence of a clear regional strategy linking the Saudi agreement to broader nonproliferation efforts.

The Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent conflict halted earlier plans that had linked a Saudi nuclear agreement to normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Those broader talks had been discussed during the Biden administration.

The Energy Department described the agreement as providing access for U.S. companies to the Saudi nuclear energy program while meeting Saudi energy requirements. Details beyond the reported core provisions remain limited pending congressional review.