The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark agreement to establish a civilian nuclear programme in the Gulf kingdom. US officials said the deal includes strict non-proliferation safeguards designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
The agreement comes during heightened regional tensions. The United States continues to face disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, making the announcement particularly significant. Consequently, the deal has sparked debate among lawmakers and security experts.
Nuclear Cooperation Agreement Signed
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed two agreements on Wednesday. One covers peaceful nuclear cooperation, while the other focuses on bilateral safeguards.
US officials said the agreements create a legal framework for a long-term partnership between the two countries. They also described the initiative as a multi-billion-dollar collaboration supporting economic and strategic interests.
According to the US Energy Department, the agreements will strengthen cooperation while maintaining high nuclear safety standards.
“Together, these two agreements lay the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that advances several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear non-proliferation.”
The full text of the agreements has not been released. However, the deal will now go to the US Congress for review. Since Republicans control Congress, lawmakers are widely expected to approve the agreement.
Enrichment Reports Raise Questions
Reports suggest the agreement could allow US companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. However, US officials have not confirmed that provision.
The Energy Department did not mention uranium enrichment in its official statement. It also declined to comment on the reports.
The possibility of enrichment has raised concerns among some American lawmakers and Israeli officials. Critics worry that Saudi Arabia could eventually use such technology for military purposes.
“Trump claims his war on Iran is about stopping an authoritarian country from enriching nuclear fuel,” Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on X.
“Now he’s letting his best friends in Saudi Arabia — one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world — do exactly that. This is absurd.”
Saudi Arabia has consistently maintained that it has the right to develop a peaceful civilian nuclear programme. The kingdom has also strengthened defence cooperation with regional partners in recent years.
Experts Divided Over the Agreement
The United States previously signed a similar nuclear cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates in 2009. However, the UAE does not enrich uranium.
Many policymakers have warned that nuclear weapons development in the region could trigger a wider arms race. Therefore, non-proliferation safeguards remain a central concern.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the agreement and rejected fears about nuclear proliferation.
“Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States,” he said.
Experts remain divided over the agreement. Matthew Kroenig of the Atlantic Council argued that Saudi Arabia should not receive uranium enrichment capabilities. He said stronger relations with Riyadh should not weaken global non-proliferation standards.
Meanwhile, Jennifer T. Gordon of the Atlantic Council welcomed the agreement. She described it as a strategic success for Washington, arguing it strengthens US influence while reducing Saudi Arabia’s reliance on Russia or China for future nuclear cooperation.
