The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have reached a significant 30-year agreement to provide Saudi Arabia with a civilian nuclear program, potentially including the ability to enrich uranium on its territory. This multi-billion-dollar deal, announced by the Trump administration, positions American companies to play a central role in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure while excluding foreign competitors. A key provision stipulates that American companies would construct a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint U.S.-Saudi study deems it warranted, which administration officials argue would give the U.S. influence and prevent misuse for military purposes.
The agreement, formally known as a "123 agreement" and accompanied by a "bilateral safeguards agreement," was signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman. While the administration released limited details, the framework paves the way for a potential uranium enrichment facility after a joint study. Notably, the agreement does not include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, which would allow for more extensive monitoring, inspections, and verification.
The deal is expected to be submitted to Congress for review in the coming days, a process required under the Atomic Energy Act for U.S. cooperation on civilian nuclear power with foreign countries. The agreement is already controversial among lawmakers concerned about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. Despite this, proponents suggest it will offer a lucrative commercial opportunity for the American nuclear industry, potentially freezing out rivals such as Russia and China, and create high-paying U.S. jobs and long-term economic growth. However, critics like Democratic Senator Ed Markey expressed concerns that the deal could enable nuclear proliferation in Saudi Arabia and ignite a regional arms race.
