U.S. Signs Nuclear Cooperation Agreement with Saudi Arabia

The Trump administration has formalized a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. This deal permits American companies to operate commercial nuclear power plants within Saudi Arabia. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Arabia’s energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, signed the agreement as the Department of Energy announced recently.

An additional agreement addressing safeguards was also signed. However, Congress must review the deal, allowing them 90 days for consideration. The agreement grants American firms priority access to Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy sector. According to an administration memo viewed by NPR, American companies can supply nuclear reactors and fuel. The agreement is anticipated to last for decades and involve billions of dollars.

Energy Secretary Wright highlighted the agreement as a testament to the nations’ joint endeavor to enhance U.S.-Saudi commercial ties. He reassured that the agreements adhere to strict nuclear safety and nonproliferation standards, relying on leading nuclear technology and expertise from the U.S.

“These agreements reflect our two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening U.S.-Saudi commercial relations, delivering prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad,” Wright stated.

Despite these assurances, the agreement lacks the so-called “gold standard” provisions. Such provisions would bar Saudi Arabia from uranium enrichment and fuel reprocessing. Nor does it necessitate greater oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This omission may heighten concerns about a potential path to weapons development in Saudi Arabia, particularly as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has indicated that Saudi Arabia could pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does.

Rep. Brad Sherman expressed reservations on social media, urging that Congress should approve the deal only if it includes gold-standard safeguards similar to those in the U.S. agreement with the UAE. He criticized facilitating potential proliferation for U.S. profit, contradicting efforts to curtail nuclear development in the Middle East.

According to the memo, the U.S. does not back a Saudi nuclear weapons program. The agreement focuses solely on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation. While it presents a lawful avenue for cooperation on the nuclear fuel cycle, it does not commit the U.S. to supply any technologies related to it.

Matthew Bunn, a Harvard nuclear proliferation expert, indicated that this agreement might complicate negotiations with Iran. He noted that Iran might resist signing deals with intense inspections if Saudi Arabia is not held to similar standards.