"This agreement establishes the legal foundation for a multi-decade partnership between the two countries, valued at billions of USD, while advancing several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear non-proliferation," the US Department of Energy announced on 22/7, upon releasing the nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia.

The document was signed by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a clause in the agreement could permit American companies to construct uranium enrichment facilities in Saudi Arabia. However, the US Department of Energy's statement did not mention this content, and the agency declined to comment when asked.

US and Saudi Arabian flags in front of a building under construction in Riyadh in 5/2025. Photo: AFP

The agreement will be presented to the US Congress for review, though observers suggest it is unlikely the Republican party-controlled legislative body will block the document.

The document was signed as President Donald Trump's administration conducted military operations targeting Iran, partly stemming from concerns surrounding Tehran's nuclear program. This issue has also been a key factor in the stalled negotiations between the two sides.

US lawmakers from both parties, along with several Israeli officials, have long opposed Saudi Arabia's development of a civilian nuclear program, fearing the risk of the country diverting it to develop nuclear weapons.

Similar to Tehran, Riyadh has repeatedly affirmed its right to develop a nuclear program for peaceful purposes. Last year, Saudi Arabia signed a joint defense treaty with Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed concerns that the agreement with Saudi Arabia could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation. "The US will not sign an agreement with any country in the world if it leads to the risk of nuclear proliferation," he stated.

Saudi Arabia's location in the region. Graphic: Guardian

In 2009, the US signed a nuclear agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a neighbor of Saudi Arabia, even though the UAE does not enrich uranium itself. A drone in 5 attacked a generator near the UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant, the only nuclear power facility in the Gulf, resulting in a fire.

By Huyen Le (AFP, Wall Street Journal)