U.S. and Saudi Arabia Sign Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, the U.S. Department of Energy said.

The agreement allows the kingdom to build nuclear reactors using U.S. technology. Media reports had previously noted that the deal differs from similar agreements previously signed by the United States.

It does not include the additional protocol that allows the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct short-notice inspections. Saudi Arabia will also be allowed to enrich uranium and reprocess nuclear waste. This opens a path to developing nuclear weapons. By comparison, the United Arab Emirates was required to forgo those activities when it signed its agreement with the United States in 2009.

The U.S. Department of Energy said the agreement complies with U.S. nuclear non-proliferation regulations. Reuters noted that Saudi Arabia had previously said that if it did not cooperate with the United States, it could instead work with China or Russia.

The agreement must now be submitted to the U.S. Congress. If Congress does not object within 90 days, it will enter into force.