US Reaches Nuclear Deal Permitting Saudi Arabia to Enrich Uranium

The United States and Saudi Arabia have reached a landmark agreement on civil nuclear power, the U.S. Energy Department announced Wednesday. The pact, known as a 123 Agreement, allows the kingdom to build nuclear reactors with U.S. technology and, critically, to enrich uranium and reprocess nuclear waste.

Key Provisions and Departures

The deal was signed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. According to the Energy Department, the agreement adheres to the nonproliferation standards of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act.

However, its terms differ significantly from past U.S. nuclear accords in the region. Key provisions include:

• Uranium Enrichment: Saudi Arabia will be permitted to enrich uranium, a process that can be used to produce fuel for reactors or, at higher purities, material for nuclear weapons.
• Reprocessing: The kingdom will also be allowed to reprocess spent nuclear fuel.
• No 'Additional Protocol': The current deal does not include a so-called Additional Protocol, which would grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) authority to conduct intrusive, short-notice inspections.

This stands in stark contrast to a similar 2009 deal with the United Arab Emirates, in which the UAE explicitly agreed to forgo both enrichment and reprocessing to secure the agreement.

Congressional Scrutiny and Geopolitical Context

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The agreement now moves to the U.S. Congress for a mandatory review period of 90 session days. While lawmakers can vote to object, a two-thirds majority in both houses would be required to override a potential presidential veto.

Saudi officials have long maintained that if a partnership with the U.S. failed, they would turn to other global powers like China or Russia, which operate under different nonproliferation standards. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also stated that Saudi Arabia would develop a nuclear weapon if its regional rival, Iran, were to do so.

Nonproliferation and Security Concerns

The deal has drawn immediate criticism from some lawmakers over fears it could fuel a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Senator Edward Markey, a Democrat, expressed concern that the U.S. was "allowing Saudi Arabia, a belligerent and authoritarian nation, to develop nuclear weapons technologies."

Critics point to uranium enrichment and reprocessing as potential pathways to developing a nuclear weapon. The administration has countered that the pact contains strong nonproliferation safeguards as required by U.S. law.