The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, opening the door for long-term cooperation on nuclear energy but also igniting a debate over the potential implications for nuclear non-proliferation in the Middle East.
The U.S. Department of Energy described the pact as a “peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement” that would raise American involvement in Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear sphere. A separate bilateral safeguards agreement was signed as well, and U.S. officials said the two documents establish the legal framework for a long-term partnership focused on energy cooperation and nuclear safety.
The full text of the deal has not been made public. But several US media outlets have reported that it could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium at home under some conditions. Uranium enrichment can be used to create fuel for civilian nuclear power plants, but at higher levels of enrichment, it can also be used to help build nuclear weapons.
If approved, such a provision would be a major departure in U.S. policy on nuclear cooperation. Traditionally, Washington has sought to minimise proliferation risks by limiting partner countries’ ability to enrich uranium at home, experts say.
The deal builds on existing energy cooperation between the two countries and follows talks between Saudi and U.S. leaders during a visit to Washington last year, Saudi Arabia said.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions. The United States and Iran remain at loggerheads, and Iran-backed groups have previously targeted U.S. military facilities in Saudi Arabia. The deal also follows the threat by the Houthi to disrupt maritime activity involving the kingdom.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but previous reports said the project could see U.S. firms build enrichment and nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia, opening up multi-billion dollar commercial prospects.
“These agreements maintain the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation and build on American technology and expertise,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said. The partnership will promote U.S. strategic interests and enhance cooperation on civilian nuclear development, the Energy Department said.
Still, some nuclear security experts have doubts. “It would be unprecedented for the United States to officially back Saudi enrichment of uranium on Saudi soil, and domestic fuel production can pose long-term proliferation risks,” said Rosemary Kelanic, director of the Middle East Program at Defence Priorities.
The deal now goes to Congress for review, where lawmakers from both parties are expected to closely scrutinise its terms. Some members have already expressed concerns even with Republicans controlling both chambers.
“We will not agree to any deal that raises the risk of nuclear proliferation,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, rejecting suggestions that the deal would contribute to the spread of nuclear weapons.
Several Democratic lawmakers took issue with it. Senator Edward Markey said the administration’s decision to let Saudi Arabia obtain nuclear technology could be counterproductive to U.S. nonproliferation goals and undercut previous congressional attempts to limit such deals.
The agreement would differ from the U.S.-United Arab Emirates civilian nuclear agreement signed in 2009, analysts say, including the reported uranium enrichment provision. In that deal, the UAE committed not to enrich uranium or reprocess spent nuclear fuel on its soil, a promise that many see as a nonproliferation benchmark.
For years, Saudi Arabia has been trying to get civilian nuclear cooperation from Washington. Previous discussions touched on wider diplomatic goals, including a potential normalisation of ties with Israel. But recent reports suggest that requirement was not part of the current deal.
Analysts also point to geopolitical rivalry possibly influencing the timing of the deal, with Russia and China reportedly seeking to deepen nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
The deal could help strengthen long-term strategic and economic ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia while reshaping regional energy cooperation. Its wider geopolitical impact will, however, be contingent on the ultimate terms endorsed by Congress and the protections that will be put into place for any future nuclear activities.
In a 2018 interview, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the kingdom had no plans to develop nuclear weapons but would pursue that option if Iran acquired one, a statement that continues to stoke concerns about Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions.
