Trump administration signs nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia
5 verified4 unconfirmed
The Trump administration has signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing American companies to participate in developing the kingdom's nuclear energy infrastructure. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the agreement, which must be reviewed by Congress. The deal gives U.S. firms priority access to the Saudi nuclear program but does not include the so-called "gold standard" restrictions that would prohibit uranium enrichment and reprocessing on Saudi soil. Both sources note that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would do the same. Nonproliferation experts and some lawmakers have raised concerns that the agreement could accelerate a regional nuclear arms race and complicate diplomacy with Iran.
What’s verified
The agreement was signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.
The deal allows American companies to supply nuclear reactors and fuel for Saudi Arabia's civil nuclear program.
The agreement does not include "gold standard" safeguards that would prevent Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing fuel on its own soil.
Congress has a period of time to review the deal before it takes effect.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has warned that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would follow suit.
Not yet confirmed
One source reports that the agreement lasts for 30 years, while the other does not specify a duration.
One source quotes Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) calling for Congress to approve only with gold-standard safeguards.
One source reports that Saudi Arabia has uranium deposits in the center of the country and has long insisted on the right to enrich.
The impact of the deal on normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel remains unclear according to one source.
Key figures
Chris Wright, U.S. Energy Secretary; Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Energy Minister; Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; Rep. Brad Sherman; Matthew Bunn, nuclear proliferation expert.
Sources: NPR, csmonitor.com
