The agreement could pave the way for Saudi Arabia to develop uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program
The United States and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement that could pave the way for the kingdom to develop uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear program.US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the agreement known as Agreement 123, along with what the Trump administration described as a bilateral safeguards agreement.While the administration has released few details, the framework is expected to allow for a joint US-Saudi study on building a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia. The agreement is expected to remain in effect for 30 years and will involve American companies in developing the program.“These agreements reflect our two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening US-Saudi trade relations and providing prosperity at home and security for our allies abroad,” Wright said.He added: “Rest assured, these agreements adhere to the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, while relying on the best nuclear technology and the best scientists in the world, designed here in the United States.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the agreement, rejecting fears that it might lead to the spread of nuclear weapons in the region.Rubio said: “The United States will not reach any agreement with any country in the world that leads to the risk of nuclear proliferation.”The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress for review, where it may face opposition from lawmakers concerned that allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium could ultimately increase the risk of developing nuclear weapons.This announcement comes at a time when the United States and Israel continue their military operations against Iran, as Washington asserts that Tehran’s uranium enrichment program could enable it to develop nuclear weapons, which Iran denies, and insists that its program is intended for peaceful purposes.
