Overview
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman signed a joint declaration following Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s White House visit.
- The White House said the document builds the legal foundation for a multi-decade partnership with cooperation conducted under strong nonproliferation standards.
- A formal Section 123 Atomic Energy Act agreement has not been completed, and it remains unclear whether a prohibition on enrichment and reprocessing will be included.
- IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the cooperation "does include fuel cycle activities" and noted the agency has not been notified about whether a 123 agreement will accompany the deal.
- If finalized, the framework could open major opportunities for U.S. nuclear firms such as Westinghouse, even as watchdogs, some lawmakers, and Israel’s energy minister voice concerns about proliferation risks and regional knock-on effects.