Trump Says Saudi Nuclear Deal Hinges on Normalizing Ties With Israel
9 hours ago
The United States and Saudi Arabia have finalized a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement aimed at helping the kingdom develop its first commercial nuclear power program while expanding U.S. influence in the region. The deal is expected to open the door for American companies to build reactors and provide nuclear technology as Saudi Arabia works to diversify its energy sector beyond oil.
The agreement, known as a "123 Agreement" under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, would allow significant civilian nuclear cooperation between the two countries. Unlike previous U.S. nuclear agreements with some allies, however, the Saudi deal permits a pathway for uranium enrichment inside the kingdom and does not require the highest level of International Atomic Energy Agency inspection safeguards, raising concerns among nonproliferation experts and some lawmakers.
Supporters argue the agreement keeps the United States—not rivals such as China or Russia—at the center of Saudi Arabia's nuclear development while giving Washington greater visibility into the kingdom's civilian nuclear program. Critics warn that allowing uranium enrichment could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly given long-standing Saudi statements that it would seek nuclear capabilities if Iran develops a nuclear weapon.
The agreement still requires congressional review before taking effect. President Donald Trump has also said the deal is contingent on Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords, adding a significant diplomatic condition to its implementation.
The agreement, known as a "123 Agreement" under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, would allow significant civilian nuclear cooperation between the two countries. Unlike previous U.S. nuclear agreements with some allies, however, the Saudi deal permits a pathway for uranium enrichment inside the kingdom and does not require the highest level of International Atomic Energy Agency inspection safeguards, raising concerns among nonproliferation experts and some lawmakers.
Supporters argue the agreement keeps the United States—not rivals such as China or Russia—at the center of Saudi Arabia's nuclear development while giving Washington greater visibility into the kingdom's civilian nuclear program. Critics warn that allowing uranium enrichment could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly given long-standing Saudi statements that it would seek nuclear capabilities if Iran develops a nuclear weapon.
The agreement still requires congressional review before taking effect. President Donald Trump has also said the deal is contingent on Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords, adding a significant diplomatic condition to its implementation.
