Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement on July 22. The deal establishes a decades-long partnership for civilian nuclear energy development in Saudi Arabia.
Known as a “123 Agreement” under the Atomic Energy Act, the deal is among the most significant nuclear cooperation agreements the United States has ever negotiated and carries major implications for nuclear nonproliferation policy, according to the Department of Energy.
A 123 Agreement is a legal prerequisite for the transfer of U.S. nuclear technology, materials, and equipment to another country. Such agreements typically include commitments from the recipient nation regarding the peaceful use of nuclear technology, though the specific terms governing Saudi uranium enrichment were not detailed in the department’s announcement.
The question of whether Saudi Arabia would be permitted to enrich uranium on its own soil has been a central point of contention in nonproliferation debates. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would pursue one as well.
The agreement aligns with the administration’s energy dominance strategy and its broader Middle East engagement agenda, the Department of Energy said. The deal is expected to involve billions of dollars in nuclear technology contracts for U.S. companies.
The agreement’s terms will be reviewed by Congress, which has the authority to block nuclear cooperation deals that do not meet nonproliferation standards.