WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has approved a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, potentially opening the kingdom to domestic uranium enrichment while placing American companies at the center of its nuclear-power program.
The agreement, known as a Section 123 pact under the Atomic Energy Act, is expected to be submitted to Congress within days. Lawmakers will have approximately 90 days to review it, but blocking the agreement over a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority.
Unlike stricter “gold standard” agreements, the Saudi pact reportedly does not prohibit uranium enrichment or reprocessing spent fuel. It also lacks the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol, which permits more intrusive inspections. Those omissions are likely to generate bipartisan concern because both activities can contribute to producing nuclear-weapons material.
Administration officials argue that U.S. involvement would provide greater oversight than allowing Saudi Arabia to work with China or Russia. A proposed enrichment facility would require a joint feasibility study and could operate under a restricted “black box” arrangement controlled by American companies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration would not approve an agreement that creates a proliferation risk. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said the kingdom would pursue a weapon if Iran obtained one.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
