Rubio says any nuclear agreement the US signs will not lead to nuclear proliferation

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a major nuclear cooperation agreement as early as Wednesday, marking a significant step in the kingdom’s pursuit of civilian nuclear energy. The deal, which could enable Saudi Arabia to build a uranium enrichment facility, is expected to be announced during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any agreement reached by the U.S. would not pose a risk of nuclear proliferation, despite concerns raised by experts and lawmakers. According to two unnamed individuals familiar with the decision, the agreement involves a joint U.S.-Saudi study to determine whether enriching uranium domestically is economically viable. If the study supports domestic enrichment, American firms would be responsible for constructing the facility. The agreement, which is projected to span three decades, would see U.S. companies play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure. It is anticipated to be submitted for congressional review, though it faces potential opposition due to fears of nuclear proliferation. The proposed deal has drawn attention amid heightened tensions with Iran, which the U.S. and Israel have targeted in efforts to curb its nuclear capabilities. Iran maintains that its enrichment activities are solely for peaceful purposes. The White House and Saudi officials have not yet commented publicly on the decision, which was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, nuclear experts have expressed caution, noting that while enrichment alone does not guarantee a weapons program, it opens the door to further nuclear development. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, has previously stated that his country would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran acquires one. In a 2018 interview with CBS News, he warned that Saudi Arabia would follow suit should Iran develop a nuclear bomb. He reiterated this stance in a 2023 appearance on Fox News, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining strategic balance in the Middle East. This sentiment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a regional power, particularly in response to Iranian influence. The agreement is framed as a means to advance Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals, reducing reliance on oil exports. The kingdom has long sought access to nuclear energy as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The deal is also expected to benefit American industries, with reports indicating that companies like Westinghouse Electric, using its AP1000 reactor technology, may secure contracts under the agreement. The U.S. Department of Energy has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the deal. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman are scheduled to sign the agreement later Wednesday. Known as a “123 Agreement,” the deal establishes the legal framework for civilian nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and foreign nations. Such agreements are governed by the Atomic Energy Act, allowing Congress to block them through a joint resolution of disapproval. While a two-thirds majority would be required to override a presidential veto, the likelihood of rejection appears low given the political climate. Nuclear experts have raised concerns about the implications of the deal, particularly regarding the lack of stringent oversight. Alexander Bollfrass, a specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, noted that the agreement represents a departure from standard international safeguards, which typically require robust monitoring and verification mechanisms. He described the arrangement as a “revolutionary new approach” to nuclear nonproliferation policy, highlighting the reduced level of scrutiny associated with transferring sensitive technologies. As the agreement moves forward, the focus will shift to how effectively it can address concerns about nuclear proliferation while supporting Saudi Arabia’s civilian energy ambitions. The outcome of the congressional review process will remain uncertain, pending further clarifications from the Trump administration.