United States and Saudi Arabia sign civilian nuclear cooperation agreement

The United States and Saudi Arabia have reached a bilateral civil‑nuclear cooperation accord. Signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Crown Prince Abdelaziz bin Salman, the pact permits Riyadh to develop nuclear power plants, enrich uranium and reprocess fuel under U.S. assistance. While presented as a civilian energy programme, critics warn it could enable Saudi Arabia to acquire nuclear weapons‑relevant capabilities and trigger a regional proliferation race. The agreement, worth billions for U.S. firms such as Westinghouse, still requires congressional approval in Washington.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it is awaiting a formal request from the parties to apply verification measures under the Non‑Proliferation Treaty. Concerns are heightened by the requirement that Saudi participation in the Abraham Accords – recognition of Israel – be linked to the deal, and by ongoing tensions with Iran and other regional actors.