U.S. and Saudi Arabia Sign Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
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The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear cooperation pact that gives U.S. firms priority access to Saudi nuclear projects, pending congressional review.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed a nuclear cooperation agreement on Wednesday, the Department of Energy said. The pact allows American companies to supply reactors and fuel for Saudi commercial nuclear power plants and includes a separate safeguards arrangement. Under the agreement, U.S. firms receive priority access to Saudi nuclear projects, which the Energy Department estimates could span decades and generate billions of dollars in revenue. The deal must be reviewed by Congress, which has 90 days to act.
Wright said the agreements demonstrate a shared commitment to strengthening U.S.-Saudi commercial ties and maintaining high standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation. However, the memorandum reviewed by NPR notes that the agreement does not contain the "gold standard" provisions that would bar Saudi Arabia from uranium enrichment or fuel reprocessing, nor does it require expanded oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Critics, including Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), warned that the lack of gold-standard safeguards could undermine nonproliferation goals, arguing that congressional approval should hinge on comparable protections to those in the U.S.–UAE deal. A Harvard nuclear proliferation expert said the arrangement might complicate diplomatic efforts with Iran, as Tehran could be less inclined to accept intrusive inspections if Saudi Arabia does not commit to similar measures.