President Donald Trump has approved a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could grant the kingdom the capability to enrich uranium for civilian energy, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. The proposed 30-year deal, which involves firms like Westinghouse, is expected to be submitted to Congress for approval despite concerns regarding regional nuclear proliferation and a lack of stringent monitoring safeguards.
Congressional Review and the “123 Agreement” Framework
The proposed arrangement is classified as a “123 agreement,” a legal framework that governs US nuclear cooperation with foreign nations. According to reports, the deal may allow for the construction of a domestic uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia following a joint US-Saudi study. While the White House announced a framework for this partnership during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington last November, the proposal now faces a review process in Congress. Lawmakers have expressed apprehension about such deals, specifically regarding the absence of the “additional protocol”—a set of enhanced monitoring measures by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that was a core component of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Strategic Risks and Regional Security Concerns
The announcement arrives during heightened tensions with Iran, where US policy has been partially defined by efforts to prevent Tehran from enriching uranium domestically. Rosemary Kelanic, head of the Middle East programme at Defense Priorities, characterized the decision as “reckless” in a social media post, noting that providing enrichment technology to Riyadh could place immense pressure on Iran to pursue weaponization. Critics argue the move contradicts US non-proliferation objectives, particularly while the US remains engaged in a standoff with Tehran over its own nuclear activities. In Geneva, US negotiators had previously demanded that Iran suspend domestic enrichment for 10 to 20 years, a condition Iran rejected in favor of a three-year suspension.
Did you know?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often cited by non-proliferation experts as the “gold standard” for nuclear energy development. The UAE signed a “123 agreement” with the US to build its Barakah nuclear power plant but explicitly opted not to pursue domestic uranium enrichment capabilities.
The Shift in US-Saudi Nuclear Policy
For years, the US administration has argued that a formal nuclear partnership is necessary to prevent Saudi Arabia from seeking technology from other sources. In a report to Congress, officials suggested that expanding nuclear cooperation would “reestablish our leadership in the global civilian nuclear energy market” and prevent strategic competition from undermining US national security interests. Previously, the Biden administration had attempted to condition access to this technology on the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, a diplomatic milestone that Riyadh has thus far refused to meet.
Geopolitical Implications of Saudi Nuclear Ambitions
Saudi Arabia has long maintained that it would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran were to acquire one, a claim Iran has consistently denied. The regional security landscape shifted further when Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact following an Israeli strike on Qatar. Pakistan’s defense minister subsequently stated that his nation’s nuclear programme would be “made available” to Saudi Arabia if necessary. This development serves as a significant marker in Middle Eastern nuclear diplomacy, as Israel is known as the Middle East’s only nuclear-armed state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a “123 agreement”? It is a nuclear cooperation agreement that allows the transfer of nuclear material or technology to foreign countries under set safeguards.
- Can Congress block this deal? Yes, Congress can review and block nuclear cooperation agreements.
- Why is enrichment a concern? Uranium enriched to 90% purity is one step in the process of acquiring a nuclear weapon, which is why international monitoring is typically required to ensure peaceful use.
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