WASHINGTON (Realist English). President Donald Trump has approved a landmark nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium for civilian reactors.
The 30‑year agreement, known as a “Section 123 Agreement” (after the relevant provision of the 1954 Atomic Energy Act), is expected to be officially signed on Wednesday, July 22.
The deal provides for US companies to participate in the development of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear programme, opening up contracts worth tens of billions of dollars. In exchange for technological assistance, Riyadh gains the right to enrich uranium on its territory after a joint US‑Saudi feasibility study.
What Is Known About the Deal
The agreement was approved by Trump last week and will be submitted to Congress for a 90‑day review period. Under the Atomic Energy Act, lawmakers have the power to block the deal, but to override a presidential veto they would need a two‑thirds majority.
Key provisions of the agreement:
- 30‑year term.
- Uranium enrichment possible after a joint US‑Saudi feasibility study.
- US companies will receive exclusive access to Saudi nuclear infrastructure.
- Ban on Saudi Arabia independently developing enrichment technologies for 10 years.
- Limited inspections — the kingdom is not required to sign the IAEA Additional Protocol, which provides for expanded inspector powers.
As CNN notes, the agreement “does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the ‘gold standard’ of international oversight,” unlike the 2009 UAE deal. Instead of the Additional Protocol, oversight will be carried out through a bilateral safeguards agreement, which, according to a US official, “resembles a model protocol but omits the parts that offended Riyadh.”
Why the Deal Has Sparked Controversy
Uranium enrichment capability could theoretically be a first step toward nuclear weapons. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that the kingdom would follow Iran’s example if Tehran obtains a nuclear bomb.
Israel’s Position
Israel, which is widely believed to possess undeclared nuclear weapons, has expressed strong opposition to the deal. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said Israel “will do everything possible to stop this deal.”
Former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called the agreement “absolutely unacceptable” and warned that “a Saudi civilian nuclear programme will end in nuclear weapons and lead to a crazy arms race across the Middle East.” In his words, “an agreement allowing enrichment on Saudi soil crosses a red line.”
Congressional and Expert Positions
A fierce debate is expected in Congress. As The New York Times notes, Trump had to make concessions — agreeing to terms that may limit international inspectors’ access to Saudi nuclear facilities.
Non‑proliferation experts warn that “any centrifuges on Saudi territory could open the door to a possible weapons programme.”
Separating the Deal from Normalisation with Israel
An important political aspect is that Trump decoupled nuclear cooperation from the requirement for normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Biden administration had insisted on such a link, but after the events of October 7, 2023, the prospects for normalisation receded.
The agreement will be submitted to Congress in the coming days. It is expected to spark heated debate but is likely to be approved, as Republicans control both chambers. However, two secret annexes to the treaty, known as “side letters,” could cause additional controversy: some members of Congress refuse to vote until they are released.
As Secretary of State Marco Rubio wryly noted, commenting on the deal: “Suffice it to say that the United States does not intend to conclude an agreement with any country in the world that would lead to proliferation risk.”
