ALWAGHT- A new report says the Trump administration has notified Congress that it is pursuing a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that may ignore the strict non-proliferation conditions usually required in US deals.
A Reuters report says the US and Saudi Arabia are working toward a so-called “123 Agreement,” a legal prerequisite for exporting US nuclear technology. Unlike past US nuclear accords, the draft framework reportedly does not explicitly ban uranium enrichment or spent fuel reprocessing.
Previous agreements, including one with the United Arab Emirates, imposed strict limits to prevent weapons-related activities. By contrast, the draft US-Saudi deal refers only to additional safeguards and verification measures, leaving open the possibility that Saudi Arabia could pursue uranium enrichment.
The proposed approach would represent a significant shift in long-standing US non-proliferation policy in West Asia. Some US lawmakers want Riyadh to adopt the Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which allows more intrusive inspections, but the administration has signaled it may proceed without that requirement.
Saudi officials argue the kingdom has uranium resources and the right to develop a full nuclear fuel cycle, a position supported publicly by senior officials. The talks are unfolding alongside broader US-Saudi negotiations on arms sales and strategic cooperation under Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with the final outcome dependent on congressional review.
