By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON — The United States is expected to announce a landmark agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to advance the kingdom's civilian nuclear program, a move aimed at expanding bilateral energy cooperation while raising concerns over nuclear non-proliferation, according to media reports cited by AFP.

The deal, expected to be formally signed by US and Saudi officials, would establish a framework for long-term cooperation in developing Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear industry and provide a significant boost for the US nuclear sector.

According to reports by The New York Times, citing two US officials, President Donald Trump's administration plans to unveil the agreement on Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal reported that the 30-year accord includes a provision allowing American companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint feasibility study concludes such a project is justified.

Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that the Trump administration intends to submit the agreement to the US Congress within days. The document, known as a "123 Agreement," is expected to be signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

The agreement is required under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which governs civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and foreign countries. While Congress will have a review period of about 90 legislative days, its approval is not required for the agreement to take effect unless lawmakers pass a joint resolution blocking it.

According to Reuters, the proposed agreement does not include the so-called "Gold Standard" provision, which would prohibit Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel—activities that could potentially be used in developing nuclear weapons.

The agreement also reportedly omits the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) "Additional Protocol," which grants inspectors expanded authority, including access to undeclared nuclear sites through short-notice inspections.

One source cited by Reuters said the agreement creates a legal framework for cooperation on the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium enrichment, but does not commit the United States to transferring sensitive enrichment technology or capabilities to Saudi Arabia.

The two countries signed a preliminary nuclear cooperation agreement in Riyadh last year, with US officials at the time emphasizing that it met the non-proliferation requirements outlined in US law.

The proposed deal is likely to reignite debate in Washington over nuclear safeguards. Arms control advocates and several lawmakers have argued that any agreement with Saudi Arabia should include stricter restrictions similar to those accepted by the United Arab Emirates under its 2009 nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States.

Concerns have also been fueled by previous comments from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who said in 2018 that while the kingdom did not seek nuclear weapons, it would pursue them if Iran acquired one.

The anticipated announcement comes as regional security tensions remain elevated, with renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement underscoring the strategic importance of the Gulf region and the kingdom's broader energy and security ambitions.