US, Saudi Arabia Set to Sign Civil Nuclear Agreement

Washington (TDI): The United States is expected to announce a landmark agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to establish a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom, according to US media reports, marking a major step in bilateral strategic cooperation. The New York Times, citing US officials, reported that the Trump administration plans to formally sign the agreement with Riyadh, while the Wall Street Journal said the 30-year deal could allow American companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint feasibility study supports the project. The agreement is expected to be submitted to the US Congress in the coming days, although congressional approval is not required for it to take effect. The deal, known as a “123 Agreement” under the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, will provide the legal framework for American companies to participate in developing Saudi Arabia’s multibillion-dollar civilian nuclear industry. Read More: Houthis Impose Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabia as Iran-US Conflict Escalates Again US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman are expected to sign the agreement after reaching a preliminary understanding last year. According to Reuters, the agreement does not include the so-called “Gold Standard”, which would prohibit Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, activities that could potentially be used to develop nuclear weapons. It also reportedly excludes the IAEA Additional Protocol, which provides the UN nuclear watchdog with broader inspection powers, including access to undeclared nuclear sites. US officials, however, insist the agreement includes strong non-proliferation safeguards required under American law and does not obligate Washington to transfer uranium enrichment technology to Saudi Arabia. The proposed agreement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and longstanding concerns over a regional nuclear arms race. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would seek one as well, raising concerns among arms-control experts and some US lawmakers. Read More: A War at Sea: From Hormuz to Bab el-Mandeb Unlike Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates accepted the stricter Gold Standard when it signed its nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States in 2009. Once submitted, Congress will have about 90 days to review the agreement. It would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to block the deal by overriding a presidential veto. News Desk