The Trump administration plans to submit a U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement to Congress for review, despite concerns that the pact does not include safeguards traditionally used to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons capabilities, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The agreement, known as a 123 Agreement, would allow U.S. companies and government entities to support Saudi Arabia’s development of a civilian nuclear energy industry. It is expected to be signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman before being sent to lawmakers.
The preliminary agreement was signed in Riyadh last year, but the final pact has drawn scrutiny over the safeguards it contains.
According to two sources who spoke to Reuters, the agreement does not include the so-called “Gold Standard” provisions that would prevent Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel — two activities that can provide potential pathways toward developing nuclear weapons.
The sources also said the pact does not include the Additional Protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which provides expanded oversight powers, including more intrusive inspections of nuclear activities.
The White House and the U.S. Department of Energy did not immediately comment on the agreement.
Congress to review the agreement
Under U.S. law, nuclear cooperation agreements submitted under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 are subject to congressional review.
Lawmakers would have about 90 days of continuous congressional sessions to object to the agreement. Blocking the pact would require Congress to pass a joint resolution and secure enough support to override a potential presidential veto.
One source said the administration could submit the agreement as early as Wednesday, while another said it could happen within about a week.
U.S. officials have previously said the agreement would comply with American nonproliferation standards. Wright said the preliminary deal was focused on civilian nuclear cooperation and contained protections required under U.S. law.
One source said the agreement creates a legal framework for cooperation on the nuclear fuel cycle, including enrichment, but does not require the United States to provide Saudi Arabia with related technology or capabilities.
Nuclear concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia
The proposed agreement comes amid long-standing concerns over Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions and regional security competition with Iran.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said the kingdom would seek nuclear weapons if Iran developed them, comments that have raised concerns among arms control advocates and some U.S. lawmakers.
Saudi Arabia has also said it wants to preserve the option to enrich uranium, a position that has complicated previous discussions over nuclear cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates accepted the “Gold Standard” restrictions in its own nuclear agreement with Washington in 2009, agreeing not to enrich uranium or reprocess nuclear fuel.
Several U.S. lawmakers, including some Republicans and Democrats, have argued that any nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia should include strong safeguards. Among them was Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who previously called for strict protections while serving in the Senate.
The review process in Congress will determine whether the agreement moves forward under the proposed terms or faces additional scrutiny over nuclear security concerns.
