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U.S., Saudi Arabia Sign Initial Nuclear Cooperation Declaration

The move creates a framework for U.S. participation with key nonproliferation terms still unresolved.

Overview

  • Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the declaration in Washington during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's White House visit.
  • The White House said the step builds the legal foundation for a long-term civil nuclear partnership and positions U.S. firms as partners of choice under strong nonproliferation standards.
  • A formal Section 123 Atomic Energy Act agreement has not been concluded, leaving binding conditions for advanced nuclear transfers to be negotiated.
  • IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the arrangement includes fuel-cycle activities and noted the agency has not been notified about any attached 123 agreement.
  • Wright said uranium enrichment is not part of the initial arrangement, as U.S. lawmakers and experts press for the 'gold standard'—enrichment and reprocessing bans with enhanced inspections—to avert a regional arms race.