The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, paving the way for the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme with U.S. technology. The deal, described by the U.S. Energy Department as a “historic partnership,” is expected to deepen strategic and economic ties between the two allies while creating significant opportunities for American companies.
The agreement, signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, includes a Section 123 Agreement under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which governs peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and foreign nations. It also establishes a bilateral safeguards framework intended to ensure the programme remains focused on civilian energy use.
According to the U.S. Energy Department, the deal lays the foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that will strengthen energy security, expand commercial cooperation, and support nuclear non-proliferation efforts. U.S. companies, including reactor manufacturers such as Westinghouse, are expected to play a major role in developing Saudi Arabia’s planned nuclear infrastructure.
A key feature of the agreement is the possibility that Saudi Arabia could eventually enrich uranium domestically for civilian purposes, subject to further studies and regulatory approvals. This provision has drawn scrutiny because uranium enrichment technology can also be used in the production of nuclear weapons if diverted from peaceful purposes.
The agreement has sparked debate among non-proliferation experts and lawmakers. Critics argue that, unlike previous U.S. nuclear agreements with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi deal does not require Riyadh to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, which allows more intrusive inspections to detect undeclared nuclear activities. They warn that the arrangement could encourage a regional nuclear arms race, particularly given tensions with Iran.
The Trump administration has defended the agreement, saying it maintains strong safeguards while keeping Saudi Arabia aligned with the United States instead of turning to countries such as China or Russia for nuclear technology. Officials also argue that the partnership will generate jobs in the United States and reinforce Washington’s strategic influence in the Middle East.
The agreement will now be submitted to the U.S. Congress for review before it can formally take effect. While lawmakers may raise objections, blocking the deal would require a substantial congressional majority under the review process established for Section 123 agreements.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme continuing to shape regional security dynamics. As a result, the agreement is expected to remain a subject of intense debate in Washington and among U.S. allies in the months ahead.
