The United States has formally entered into a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for the Gulf kingdom to develop its nuclear energy sector with American assistance. The deal, announced by the US Department of Energy, marks one of the most significant strategic agreements between the two countries in recent years and is expected to deepen bilateral ties while opening substantial commercial opportunities for the American nuclear industry.
Signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the agreement establishes the legal framework for long-term cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Commonly referred to as a “123 Agreement” under the US Atomic Energy Act, the pact is designed to support Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on oil for domestic electricity generation. It is expected to remain in force for 30 years and could involve investments worth several billion dollars, including the construction of advanced nuclear reactors using American technology.
A major feature of the agreement is that it allows Saudi Arabia to pursue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes following a joint feasibility study by both countries. Uranium enrichment is a process used to produce fuel for nuclear power plants, but the same technology can also be used to produce weapons-grade material if enriched to much higher levels. This provision has attracted significant international attention because previous US nuclear cooperation agreements, including the one signed with the United Arab Emirates in 2009, required partner countries to give up domestic uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing as part of strict non-proliferation commitments.
Another aspect drawing scrutiny is the absence of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Additional Protocol in the agreement. The protocol enables more intrusive inspections and allows international inspectors to conduct snap visits to nuclear facilities, offering greater assurance that civilian nuclear programmes are not diverted for military purposes. Experts and several lawmakers argue that omitting this safeguard weakens oversight and represents a departure from long-standing US non-proliferation policy.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of continuing tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the conflict involving Iran’s nuclear programme. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly maintained that it seeks nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation and desalination. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously indicated that the kingdom would seek nuclear weapons if Iran were ever to acquire them, a statement frequently cited by critics of the agreement.
The Trump administration has defended the agreement, arguing that American participation in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear programme is preferable to allowing rivals such as China or Russia to dominate the kingdom’s nuclear energy sector. Officials contend that continued US involvement will provide stronger oversight and strengthen strategic ties while supporting American companies, including reactor manufacturers expected to bid for future Saudi projects.
Despite these assurances, the agreement has triggered criticism from nuclear non-proliferation experts and members of the US Congress, who warn that granting uranium enrichment capabilities without the strictest safeguards could encourage a regional nuclear competition. Several lawmakers have argued that the arrangement may undermine decades of efforts to limit the spread of sensitive nuclear technologies in the Middle East and increase security risks in an already volatile region.
Under US law, the agreement will now be submitted to Congress for review. Unless lawmakers pass a resolution of disapproval within the prescribed review period—and overcome a potential presidential veto with a two-thirds majority—the agreement will automatically take effect. While supporters describe the pact as a strategic and economic milestone that advances energy cooperation, critics believe its long-term implications for regional security and global non-proliferation will remain the subject of intense debate in the months ahead.
