Saudi Arabia and the United States are getting closer to finalising a tentative agreement to develop Riyadh’s civil nuclear program. A senior Saudi ambassador based in Pakistan said on Sunday that both countries are working towards official coordination, citing a statement by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi, Saudi Press Attache, shared the update in a post on X. He revealed that the US and Saudi Arabia plan to execute an agreement aimed at investing in civil nuclear and energy technology. Wright recently met with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in Riyadh, where they discussed forming a strategic energy relationship.
Wright, who is now travelling to Gulf energy-producing countries, stated that the memorandum’s details will be published later this year. He emphasised that the foundation of this alliance will most likely include a “123 agreement,” which is a required structure under US law for nuclear cooperation.
Section 123 of the United States Atomic Energy Act requires stringent non-proliferation standards before American entities can help in civil nuclear development overseas. These include protections against the abuse of nuclear materials. While negotiations are underway, Wright noted that Saudi Arabia has not yet committed to all of the requirements of the Act.
