Washington plans to announce nuclear agreement with Riyadh, US media reports

Washington is expected to announce a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to US media reports, in a move that could open the door to a multibillion-dollar cooperation framework while also renewing debate over proliferation safeguards.

Citing unnamed US officials, the New York Times reported that the Trump administration plans to formally sign and unveil the deal with Riyadh. The Wall Street Journal, also citing people familiar with the matter, said the agreement could last 30 years and may include a provision allowing American companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint study finds it justified.

The agreement is expected to be sent to Congress in the coming days, although congressional approval is not required for it to take effect. Reuters, citing two sources, reported that the administration plans to submit a document known as a 123 Agreement, which would be signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi energy minister Abdulaziz bin Salman. The two countries signed a preliminary understanding in Riyadh last year.

A 123 Agreement refers to Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and is the legal basis for US cooperation with foreign governments on civilian nuclear projects. According to the reported terms, the deal would allow American companies and the US government to work with Saudi entities on developing a civilian nuclear industry.

The reports said the agreement does not include the “Gold Standard” sought by some lawmakers and arms control advocates, which would bar Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. It also does not include the “Additional Protocol,” a stronger International Atomic Energy Agency safeguard that would give inspectors broader access, including the ability to carry out snap inspections at undeclared sites.

One source quoted by Reuters said the framework creates a legal path for cooperation across the nuclear fuel cycle, including enrichment, but does not require the United States to transfer enrichment technology or related capabilities to the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has long said it wants the right to enrich uranium. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also warned in the past that if Iran obtained a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would follow. That stance has fueled concerns among arms control advocates and some US lawmakers about any civilian nuclear deal that lacks strict limits.

The United Arab Emirates accepted the “Gold Standard” in its 2009 nuclear agreement with Washington, a comparison often raised in discussions about Saudi Arabia’s ambitions.

Once a 123 Agreement is submitted, Congress typically has about 90 days of continuous session to review it and object. Blocking the deal would require lawmakers to pass a joint resolution, which could still be vetoed by the president unless both chambers muster a two-thirds majority to override.

The report is based on a monitored public feed and attributed reporting from US media and Reuters. Source: Dawn Home - https://www.dawn.com/news/2017477/washington-plans-to-announce-nuclear-agreement-with-riyadh-us-media-reports