U.S., Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Civil Nuclear Agreement
12 hours ago
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement that could eventually allow the kingdom to enrich uranium as it develops a domestic nuclear energy industry.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the 30-year agreement Wednesday. The pact creates the legal framework needed for American companies to help Saudi Arabia build nuclear reactors and other civilian nuclear infrastructure.
The framework calls for the two countries to conduct a joint study before any uranium enrichment facility is constructed. Supporters say the partnership could create business opportunities for U.S. nuclear companies, including Westinghouse, while helping Saudi Arabia diversify its energy supply and preserve more oil for export.
However, the agreement has already raised concerns among lawmakers and nuclear nonproliferation experts. Unlike a previous U.S. nuclear deal with the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi agreement does not prohibit domestic uranium enrichment or require the kingdom to accept the International Atomic Energy Agency’s most rigorous inspection framework.
The agreement will now be submitted to Congress for review. Lawmakers could attempt to block it, although overturning a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the 30-year agreement Wednesday. The pact creates the legal framework needed for American companies to help Saudi Arabia build nuclear reactors and other civilian nuclear infrastructure.
The framework calls for the two countries to conduct a joint study before any uranium enrichment facility is constructed. Supporters say the partnership could create business opportunities for U.S. nuclear companies, including Westinghouse, while helping Saudi Arabia diversify its energy supply and preserve more oil for export.
However, the agreement has already raised concerns among lawmakers and nuclear nonproliferation experts. Unlike a previous U.S. nuclear deal with the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi agreement does not prohibit domestic uranium enrichment or require the kingdom to accept the International Atomic Energy Agency’s most rigorous inspection framework.
The agreement will now be submitted to Congress for review. Lawmakers could attempt to block it, although overturning a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
