United States and Saudi Arabia Sign Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement

The United States and Saudi Arabia have formalized a significant civil nuclear cooperation pact, with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signing a "peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement" (commonly known as a 123 agreement under U.S. law) and an accompanying bilateral safeguards agreement on Wednesday.

This deal establishes the legal foundation for a potential decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership focused on civilian nuclear energy. It positions American companies as preferred partners for Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program development, aiming to export U.S. nuclear technology, create high-paying American jobs, bolster supply chains, and support Saudi efforts to diversify its energy sources.

The agreement builds on a Joint Declaration completed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington in November 2025. It emphasizes adherence to strong nonproliferation standards, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and bilateral safeguards involving verification measures.

Reports indicate the pact could open pathways for U.S. firms to support reactor construction and, pending a joint study on commercial viability, potentially a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia under U.S. oversight—though it does not mandate technology transfers for enrichment and maintains U.S. consent rights over sensitive activities.

U.S. officials, including Secretary Wright, have highlighted the deal’s benefits for American industry and energy security while underscoring commitments to the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation. The pact will be submitted to Congress for review (typically a 90-day period), though congressional approval is not required for it to proceed.

Critics and nonproliferation experts have raised concerns about the timing—amid ongoing U.S. involvement in regional conflicts with Iran—and whether safeguards are sufficient, noting the absence of the IAEA’s Additional Protocol in some reporting. Saudi Arabia, as an NPT signatory, has committed to peaceful uses, but officials have long expressed interest in developing its full nuclear fuel cycle.

This development reflects deepening U.S.-Saudi strategic and economic ties under the current administration, with potential for substantial commercial opportunities for firms like Westinghouse.