The United States and Saudi Arabia have officially entered into a landmark civil nuclear partnership after senior officials from both countries signed a sweeping cooperation agreement on Wednesday, paving the way for decades of economic collaboration, expanded energy development, and billions of dollars in potential investment.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman formalized the agreement, marking a significant milestone in relations between Washington and Riyadh. The accord establishes the framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation and is expected to deepen the two nations’ long-term strategic and commercial ties.

The Department of Energy said the agreement, known as a “123 agreement” under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, was signed together with a bilateral safeguards agreement. Together, the documents create the legal structure for a multi-billion-dollar partnership while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to international nuclear nonproliferation requirements.

As part of the deal, American companies will receive substantial opportunities to participate in the development of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy sector. US officials said the agreement will generate business for American manufacturers, strengthen domestic supply chains, support industrial jobs, and help Saudi Arabia meet its growing long-term electricity needs.

Officials also emphasized that the agreement strengthens security both in the United States and throughout the Middle East by enforcing strict standards for nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation. At the same time, they said it enhances the global competitiveness of American nuclear technology.

“These agreements reflect our two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening US-Saudi commercial relations, delivering prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad,” said Secretary Wright. “Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States. Thanks to President Trump, the American nuclear renaissance is underway and will deliver long-term benefits to the American and Saudi people.”

The White House described the agreement as another step in President Trump’s effort to reestablish American leadership in the global civilian nuclear industry.

According to the Department of Energy, the agreement is designed to expand exports of American nuclear technology, create well-paying US jobs, stimulate economic growth, strengthen national and energy security, reinforce international nonproliferation efforts, and further solidify the strategic relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement will now be submitted to Congress, where lawmakers must complete the review process required under federal law before it can move forward.

The Wall Street Journal first reported details of the agreement Tuesday evening, saying the multi-billion-dollar arrangement gives US companies a dominant role in building Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear infrastructure while shutting out competing foreign firms from winning the project.

A key provision under consideration would allow American companies to build a uranium enrichment facility inside Saudi Arabia if a joint feasibility study concludes that the project is practical. US officials have said American supervision would ensure the program remains strictly civilian and cannot be diverted for military purposes.

The agreement has already drawn opposition from some pro-Israel voices. Earlier Wednesday, the Zionist Organization of America called on Congress to reject the proposal, arguing that it could accelerate nuclear proliferation in the region and ultimately endanger Israel.

In a statement, ZOA National President Morton A. Klein described the proposed agreement as “a serious, dangerous mistake,” arguing that it “seems likely to lead to widespread nuclear proliferation throughout the Middle East and redouble Iran’s determination to rapidly obtain nuclear weapons at all costs.”

Saudi Arabia has long maintained that developing a civilian nuclear program is essential to capitalize on its untapped uranium reserves and diversify its energy production. Officials say greater reliance on nuclear power would reduce domestic oil consumption, allowing the kingdom to export more crude and increase government revenues.

Although Saudi officials continue to insist their nuclear ambitions are entirely peaceful, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared in 2018 that if Iran were to successfully develop a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would pursue one as well.

{Matzav.com}