Trump's nuclear deal with Saudis jettisons longstanding US demands

US and Saudi Arabia Sign Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Pact

The Trump administration has finalized a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act. The 30-year pact, submitted to Congress for review, permits Saudi Arabia to pursue nuclear energy infrastructure with U.S. assistance while requiring a joint study before any domestic uranium enrichment activities can begin.

Past administrations had linked similar technology transfers to progress on Israeli-Saudi relations. The current agreement does not include that condition. Administration officials have described the pact as a means to expand U.S. commercial opportunities and to offer an alternative to Chinese suppliers as Saudi Arabia develops its energy sector.

Yusuf Can of Amena Strategies noted that several Middle Eastern countries are pursuing nuclear infrastructure regardless of U.S. involvement. The agreement, he said, positions the United States as a partner in that development rather than leaving the field to competitors.

The deal follows the pattern of other Section 123 agreements that establish legal frameworks for the transfer of nuclear technology, materials, and services for peaceful purposes. It differs from the 2009 U.S.-UAE agreement, which prohibited enrichment and reprocessing on Emirati territory and mandated IAEA inspections. Under the Saudi pact, enrichment would require a separate U.S.-Saudi assessment and congressional notification.

Saudi Arabia has stated its interest in nuclear power to meet growing electricity demand and to reduce reliance on oil exports. Energy analyst Christopher Russo of Charles River Associates said nuclear plants provide a more stable baseload than oil facilities, which remain vulnerable to supply disruptions in routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Construction timelines indicate that any new Saudi nuclear plants would take at least a decade to complete and begin operation. In the nearer term, U.S. firms including Westinghouse stand to participate in feasibility studies, training, and equipment supply.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that Saudi Arabia would consider developing nuclear weapons if Iran did so. The text of the new agreement does not contain additional enforcement mechanisms beyond standard nonproliferation provisions, according to reports released so far.

Imran Bayoumi of the Atlantic Council said the pact could create technical capacity that might later support a weapons program, though he noted that any such step would require further decisions and would face international scrutiny.

Israeli officials have expressed concern. Avigdor Lieberman, a member of parliament and former defense minister, wrote that a Saudi civilian program could trigger broader regional competition in nuclear capabilities. Israel maintains an undeclared nuclear arsenal and has participated in U.S. efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear activities.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California described the agreement as increasing risks of regional instability and Iranian responses. Administration statements have countered that the pact incorporates safety and nonproliferation standards consistent with U.S. law.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the agreement would support American industry and reinforce security ties. The administration has not yet published the full text or detailed inspection arrangements.

Saudi Arabia had sought nuclear cooperation with the United States for several years. Earlier talks during the Biden administration included discussion of Israeli normalization, but those talks paused after the October 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent regional escalation involving Iran.

Saudi Arabia temporarily restricted U.S. overflight access early in the current conflict with Iran and has urged de-escalation. The nuclear agreement coincides with U.S. efforts to maintain cooperation with Gulf partners amid those tensions.

Congress will have the opportunity to review the pact under the standard 30-day review period for Section 123 agreements, though some lawmakers have already signaled intent to seek additional conditions or information. No signing ceremony involving President Trump occurred on the day of the announcement; he attended a ceremony honoring U.S. service members killed during operations related to Iran before traveling to Georgia.

The agreement does not alter existing U.S. policy that any Saudi enrichment would be subject to further bilateral approval. Officials have not specified when the joint enrichment study would begin or what criteria it would apply.

Analysts have pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s stated goal of diversifying its energy mix aligns with long-term plans to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon revenues. The nuclear route offers one option among others, including expanded solar and natural gas capacity.

U.S. companies have previously supplied reactors and fuel services to several countries under similar agreements. The Saudi market represents a potential expansion of that commercial activity, though actual contracts would follow separate negotiations and financing arrangements.

The administration has framed the decision as consistent with efforts to compete economically with China across multiple regions, including the Arctic and Indo-Pacific. Saudi officials have not commented on any parallel discussions with Chinese nuclear suppliers.

Further details on inspection protocols, fuel supply arrangements, and spent-fuel management are expected during the congressional review process.