The Trump administration is expected to submit a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress within days, opening the door for expanded U.S.-Saudi cooperation on civilian nuclear technology.
The agreement, known as a 123 Agreement, is expected to be signed by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman after the two countries reached a preliminary understanding in Riyadh last year.
The pact would allow cooperation involving the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium enrichment, but would not require the United States to provide Saudi Arabia with enrichment technology or other related capabilities.
Unlike the agreement signed by the United Arab Emirates in 2009, the deal does not include the so-called Gold Standard, which bars uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing. It also does not include the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which allows for expanded inspections of undeclared sites.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran obtained them.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
