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The United States and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, according to multiple U.S. media reports, giving Riyadh a framework to develop its nuclear energy program without linking it to normalization with Israel. The agreement reportedly does not include the “gold standard” safeguards that prohibit domestic uranium enrichment or require adoption of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol.
Details
- The agreement: Reports indicate the deal will remain in force for 30 years and allow U.S. companies to help build and operate Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy program.
- Uranium enrichment: According to The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, Washington and Riyadh will conduct a two-year study on the economic viability of establishing a uranium enrichment facility inside Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration says any future step would remain subject to U.S. oversight.
- Safeguards: Reuters and CBS News report that the agreement does not require Saudi Arabia to accept the “gold standard” restrictions or sign the IAEA Additional Protocol, prompting criticism from nuclear non-proliferation experts.
- Israeli concerns: Israeli officials and politicians, including Avigdor Lieberman and Amichai Eliyahu, warned that permitting uranium enrichment could trigger a regional nuclear arms race, while the Israeli government has not issued an official response.
- Congressional review: The agreement will be submitted to Congress as a “123 Agreement” under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, giving lawmakers a review period before it can take effect.
Background
U.S.-Saudi nuclear negotiations have continued for years. The Biden administration sought to tie a civilian nuclear agreement to Saudi normalization with Israel, while the Trump administration separated the two tracks, arguing that nuclear cooperation should proceed independently as Riyadh advances its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its energy mix.
Between the Lines
The timing may prove more consequential than the agreement itself. As the United States and Israel wage a military campaign against Iran over its uranium enrichment program, Washington is simultaneously offering a key regional ally a civilian nuclear pathway that could eventually include domestic enrichment.
The Trump administration argues that U.S. technical controls and oversight will prevent any military diversion. Critics, however, contend that the arrangement could weaken Washington’s position in future negotiations with Iran by creating the perception of different standards for different partners.
Whether the agreement ultimately sparks a regional nuclear arms race remains uncertain. There is no evidence that Saudi Arabia—or other regional states—will automatically pursue nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, non-proliferation experts warn that allowing enrichment outside the traditional “gold standard” framework could encourage countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates to seek similar arrangements if they conclude that longstanding nuclear restrictions are being relaxed.
What to Watch
Attention will now shift to Congress, where lawmakers will review the agreement, as well as to whether the Trump administration discloses the reported classified provisions and oversight mechanisms. Reactions from the IAEA and regional governments will also be closely watched.
