US and Saudi Arabia Sign 30-Year Bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Accord

The United States and Saudi Arabia have finalized a new 30-year nuclear cooperation deal, laying the groundwork for the Kingdom to potentially enrich uranium for a civilian atomic energy initiative. According to the Associated Press, the agreement was officially signed on Wednesday.

Known as a Section 123 Agreement, the pact enables American firms to supply nuclear technology and technical expertise to advance Saudi Arabia's atomic program. The potential establishment of a domestic uranium enrichment facility inside the Kingdom will be evaluated following a joint US-Saudi feasibility study.

However, the agreement must first undergo a mandatory review period in the US Congress. Several lawmakers have voiced concern over granting Saudi Arabia enrichment capabilities, warning that such a move could trigger a fresh wave of nuclear proliferation and fuel an arms race across the Middle East.

Reports indicate that the deal does not incorporate an enhanced inspection regime by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

While low-enriched uranium serves as fuel for commercial power generation, higher enrichment levels allow the material to be weaponized. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom's de facto leader, has previously stated that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons should Iran successfully develop one.

Efforts to negotiate a civilian nuclear partnership with Riyadh spanned multiple US administrations, including those of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright was directly involved in the diplomatic process, having traveled to Saudi Arabia to negotiate the core terms of the deal.

Saudi Arabia remains a member state of the Vienna-based IAEA, the international body tasked with promoting peaceful atomic energy while monitoring countries to prevent non-civilian nuclear activities.