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The United States and Saudi Arabia have finalized a nuclear cooperation pact that will see Washington help the Gulf kingdom develop a civilian nuclear program. The agreement, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman, is expected to be submitted to Congress in the coming days, according to multiple reports.

The deal, known as a "123 agreement" under the US Atomic Energy Act, permits American companies to transfer nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. It is expected to last 30 years and could provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capability, potentially involving US firms such as Westinghouse, as reported by Africa News, Al Jazeera, and others.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Africa News, Al Jazeera, Dawn, and the Jerusalem Post all confirmed the signing, but highlighted different aspects of the agreement. Africa News emphasized the potential risks, noting the deal's lack of the IAEA's Additional Protocol and the possibility of a nuclear arms race. Al Jazeera described the pact as part of a broader trend of nuclear programs in the Middle East, including those of Iran, Israel, and the UAE. Dawn focused on the absence of the "Gold Standard" provisions, which would have blocked uranium enrichment and reprocessing. The Jerusalem Post noted that the pact does not include safeguards to prevent materials from being used in nuclear weapons programs.

The signing follows a preliminary agreement reached in Riyadh last year, as reported by both the Jerusalem Post and Dawn. The deal is expected to be submitted to Congress, but congressional approval is not required for it to take effect, according to Dawn.

Key Claims

  • The agreement omits the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol, which would allow for more intrusive inspections and monitoring, as reported by Africa News and Dawn.
The Additional Protocol grants the IAEA broad authority to conduct snap inspections of undeclared locations, as explained in Dawn's report.
  • Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said the kingdom would develop nuclear weapons if Iran does, as reported by Dawn. This statement has raised concern about proliferation risks, particularly in a volatile region, as noted by multiple outlets.
  • US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the agreement in Riyadh last year, and the formal 123 agreement was signed, as reported by Al Jazeera and Dawn.

Perspectives

The Trump administration has defended the deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, traveling in the Philippines on Wednesday, told reporters: "The U.S. is not going to reach any agreement with any country in the world that leads to the risk of proliferation," as reported by Africa News. Wright also stated that the agreements "uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world's best nuclear technology and scientists," according to the same report.