US signs landmark nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia
- The United States and Saudi Arabia have finalized a new 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement, a 123 agreement, potentially granting the kingdom uranium enrichment capacity for its civilian nuclear program.
- U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman formally signed the pact, which the U.S. administration claims upholds high standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation.
- The agreement notably omits the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, a key measure for enhanced monitoring and verification, raising concerns among nonproliferation experts.
- Critics and experts warn that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium could heighten the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and potentially lead to a weapons program for the kingdom.
- The deal, which is expected to involve U.S. firms and benefit companies like Westinghouse, will be submitted to Congress for review, where it is anticipated to face opposition.
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