The Trump administration has signed a so-called '123 Agreement' with Saudi Arabia, establishing a legal framework for nuclear cooperation. However, the agreement reportedly does not include provisions banning uranium enrichment and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, raising concerns about nuclear nonproliferation.
On July 22, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the 123 Agreement, which facilitates peaceful nuclear cooperation, along with a bilateral safeguards agreement.
The 123 Agreement is necessary for the U.S. to transfer nuclear materials, equipment, and technology to other countries. Once in effect, it will allow U.S. companies to participate in Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear sector.
A key issue is the lack of a ban on uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing. The agreement does not fundamentally prohibit Saudi Arabia from pursuing these activities. However, the signing of the agreement does not imply that the U.S. will provide related technology or facilities to Saudi Arabia.
This contrasts with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which agreed to forgo uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing when it signed a nuclear agreement with the U.S. in 2009. Concerns have been raised that if Saudi Arabia develops its own enrichment capabilities, it could produce weapons-grade nuclear material.
The U.S. Department of Energy stated that the agreement will expand U.S. companies' access to the Saudi nuclear market while adhering to high standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.
The agreement will undergo a review process by the U.S. Congress.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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