United States and Saudi Arabia Sign Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a 123 Agreement, along with a bilateral safeguards pact on Wednesday. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman executed the accords, which the Energy Department said will deepen cooperation in the civilian nuclear sector and lay a legal foundation for a long-term partnership.

Under the agreement, Saudi Arabia will be permitted to construct nuclear reactors using U.S. technology and to engage in uranium enrichment and nuclear waste reprocessing. While the kingdom remains a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has pledged not to develop nuclear weapons, the deal does not incorporate an Additional Protocol that would grant the International Atomic Energy Agency broader inspection powers.

The agreements now proceed to Congress, where they will take effect unless blocked within a 90-day legislative window; a two-thirds majority would be needed to override a presidential veto. Some Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns about potential proliferation risks and regional security implications.

Saudi officials have indicated that nuclear power is intended to reduce domestic oil consumption, support export capacity, lower emissions, and provide energy for desalination and cooling needs.