The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a nuclear agreement enabling the Kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear program.
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The Trump administration did not disclose the specifics of the agreement, though the framework may permit Saudi Arabia to operate a uranium enrichment facility.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman formally signed the agreement, which includes bilateral safeguards to prevent nuclear proliferation.
Wright said the agreements underscore the shared commitment of both nations to deepen US‑Saudi commercial ties, promote domestic prosperity, and enhance security for their allies abroad.
He added that the agreements guarantee the highest standards of nuclear safety and non‑proliferation, leveraging leading nuclear technology and expertise developed in the United States.
Uranium enrichment produces fuel for civilian reactors but can also be used to create nuclear weapons, prompting bipartisan US opposition to a civilian nuclear program for Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to preempt criticism by stating that any US agreement with any country would not pose a proliferation risk.
Speaking in the Philippines on Wednesday, Rubio emphasized that the United States will not enter any agreement that could lead to nuclear proliferation.
The agreement is projected to last 30 years and will employ American technology to develop the program.
The deal does not incorporate the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which would provide enhanced monitoring, inspections, and verification, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The agreement will now be submitted to Congress for review; while some opposition is expected, the Republican‑controlled chambers make it unlikely that legislation will block its implementation.
The announcement follows the United States and Israel’s recent military action against Iran, partly driven by concerns over Tehran’s nuclear activities; Iran has repeatedly asserted that its enrichment program is peaceful.
