U.S., Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Civil Nuclear Agreement Amid Non-Proliferation Debate

WASHINGTON: The United States has signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for American companies to help the Kingdom develop a civilian nuclear energy program that could eventually include domestic uranium enrichment under agreed conditions, according to U.S. officials.

The agreement, signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations and reflects Washington’s strategic effort to strengthen its partnership with Riyadh while expanding the role of American firms in the global nuclear energy sector.

U.S. officials said the accord is intended to support Saudi Arabia’s plans to diversify its energy mix through civilian nuclear power, reduce domestic oil consumption for electricity generation, and contribute to the Kingdom’s long-term economic transformation. The deal also aims to reinforce U.S. influence in the Middle East amid growing competition from China and Russia in the global nuclear technology market.

The agreement, however, has drawn criticism from lawmakers and non-proliferation experts who argue that permitting Saudi Arabia to pursue uranium enrichment, even for civilian purposes, could weaken long-standing U.S. non-proliferation policy and encourage a regional nuclear arms race. Critics have also raised concerns that the deal does not include some of the enhanced safeguards found in previous international nuclear agreements.

Saudi Arabia has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, although Saudi leaders have previously stated that the Kingdom would consider acquiring nuclear weapons if Iran were to develop one. The timing of the agreement has therefore intensified international scrutiny, coming amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities and broader instability in the Middle East.

The agreement is expected to undergo congressional review, where legislators are likely to examine its safeguards, strategic implications, and compliance with U.S. nuclear cooperation standards before its full implementation.