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U.S. and Saudi Arabia sign nuclear cooperation deal, paving way for exports

The pact now goes to Congress for review, which could delay U.S. nuclear technology exports tied to Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear ambitions.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, according to the U.S. Energy Department, formally deepening the two countries’ strategic ties in the Gulf.

The deal, signed alongside a bilateral safeguards pact, is described as setting the legal foundation for a decades long, multi billion dollar partnership. The Energy Department said the framework includes nuclear nonproliferation safeguards from the outset.

As part of the agreement, the partnership is set to expand U.S. nuclear technology exports to Saudi Arabia, supporting the kingdom’s stated interest in developing domestic civilian nuclear power capability alongside its oil and gas base.

The agreement is not final, with the Energy Department saying the partnership will be transmitted to the U.S. Congress for review. That congressional scrutiny is expected to focus on the safeguards provisions and the timeline for the partnership to move forward.

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