WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is moving forward with a civil nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia that omits long-standing non-proliferation safeguards, according to a document reviewed by Reuters.

Why it matters

The proposed “123 Agreement” could fundamentally change how the U.S. exports nuclear technology. By removing standard restrictions, the administration aims to put American industry at the center of the kingdom’s energy future, but critics warn it could spark a Middle East nuclear arms race.

The Big Picture

For decades, U.S. policy has demanded “gold standard” guardrails for nuclear partners, specifically:

• No enrichment: Preventing the ability to create fuel for weapons.
• No reprocessing: Banning the extraction of plutonium from spent fuel.
• The Additional Protocol: Allowing the IAEA to conduct “snap” inspections at undeclared sites.

The new document indicates the U.S. is not currently pursuing these intrusive UN oversight measures, Reuters reports.

The Risk Factors

The development follows the expiration of the final U.S.-Russia arms limitation treaty and China’s nuclear expansion. Domestic concerns are also high:

• Sovereignty vs. Security: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News in 2023 that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, “we have to get one” for “balancing power.”
• Precedent: Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association (ACA) told Reuters the deal raises concerns that the administration hasn’t weighed the “proliferation risks” or the precedent this sets for other nations.

What’s next

The Trump administration could submit the formal 123 Agreement to Congress as early as Feb. 22, per the ACA.

The Catch: Once submitted, the deal automatically takes effect after 90 days unless both the House and Senate pass resolutions to block it.