WASHINGTON/RIYADH: President Donald Trump has approved a landmark 30‑year civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, formalizing U.S. support for the kingdom’s civilian nuclear program after years of negotiations, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal, AP and other outlets.
The accord, often referred to as a “123 agreement” under the Atomic Energy Act, sets out a decades‑long framework under which U.S. companies will spearhead the development of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure, including potential power reactors and related facilities. Officials estimate the deal could be worth tens of billions of dollars.
A notable and controversial provision allows Riyadh to enrich uranium domestically under bilateral safeguards imposed by Washington.
Unlike the stricter “gold standard” applied in the U.S.-UAE nuclear pact, Saudi Arabia will not be required to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol for enhanced inspections. Instead, oversight will rely on U.S.-Saudi arrangements with some IAEA involvement.
Negotiations concluded in October 2025, followed by a joint declaration during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington in November.
Trump’s sign‑off, delayed amid U.S.-Iran tensions and political considerations, positions American firms as preferred partners in a sector where Russia and China have sought influence.
From Washington’s perspective, the agreement is designed to diversify Saudi Arabia’s energy mix away from oil, create high‑paying American jobs, bolster the U.S. nuclear industry, and deepen bilateral ties at a time of regional instability. It also dovetails with broader Saudi investment commitments in the United States, reportedly nearing $1 trillion.
Critics warn the pact could heighten proliferation risks. Saudi leaders have previously said they would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does, raising concerns that domestic enrichment could provide a pathway to weapons material despite safeguards. Arms control advocates argue bilateral oversight falls short of full IAEA scrutiny.
Under U.S. law, Congress now has 90 days to review the agreement and could pass a resolution of disapproval. Analysts say such a move is unlikely given current political dynamics, though the enrichment clause is expected to draw scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
