US and Saudi Arabia reach historic nuclear energy deal

Key Points:

• The United States has signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards pact with Saudi Arabia, aiming to deepen collaboration in the civilian nuclear energy sector.
• The 123 Agreement allows Saudi Arabia to build nuclear reactors using US technology and permits uranium enrichment and nuclear waste reprocessing, while Saudi Arabia remains committed to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and international inspections.
• The deal lacks an Additional Protocol for more intrusive inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, raising concerns about potential proliferation risks and regional arms races.
• The agreement will be submitted to the US Congress and will take effect unless blocked within 90 legislative days, with some Democratic lawmakers expressing strong opposition over security and proliferation concerns.
• Saudi Arabia seeks nuclear energy to reduce domestic oil consumption, lower emissions, and support energy-intensive services, while maintaining that it will not pursue nuclear weapons unless Iran does.