President Trump has formally approved a landmark 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could be worth tens of billions of dollars and put American companies at the center of the kingdom’s nuclear buildout, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The accord is expected to be signed Wednesday by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, then head to Congress for a 90-day review. Lawmakers could block it through a joint resolution, but overriding a Trump veto would require two-thirds majorities in both chambers.
There is plenty to like here. A Section 123 agreement creates a legal framework for peaceful use, safeguards, and nonproliferation. American involvement also gives Washington more influence over Riyadh’s program than it would have if Saudi Arabia turned to China or Russia.
The agreement is the latest step in a rapidly deepening relationship. The administration previously delinked Saudi nuclear talks from normalization with Israel, while Trump later designated the kingdom a major non-NATO ally after Mohammed bin Salman’s return to the White House.
Yet one provision is difficult to support: “A key provision of the new accord would have American companies build an uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint U.S.-Saudi study determines such a step would be warranted.”
The 123 accord is not a turnkey export license, and any technology transfer would still require separate federal approval, but the policy direction is clear.
The strongest argument for this arrangement is that US technology and oversight would keep Washington inside the tent and make diversion harder. That is a legitimate advantage, but it doesn’t eliminate the underlying risk.
Why in the world would the United States grant Saudi Arabia a nuclear power plant. The Saudis have more oil and natural gas in the world than they could ever use. The same reason that Trump uses for Iran not having access to nuclear power should be used for Saudi Arabia. Remember 15 of the Twin Towers bombers came from Saudi Arabia and still no one has fully disclosed the results of any in depth investigation. Remember, in their religion it is acceptable to lie to your face if it applies to business and they do this all the time and then work behind your back. John E. Jrr.