The US and Saudi Arabia have reached a civil nuclear power agreement, allowing the kingdom to build nuclear reactors using American technology and to enrich uranium. This deal has been in the works for years, during both President Donald Trump’s first administration and that of former President Joe Biden.
Details of the Deal
The deal, known as a 123 Agreement, was signed by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and his counterpart Price Abdulaziz bin Salman, alongside a bilateral safeguards agreement. The administration said the deal abides by nonproliferation agreements in the US Atomic Energy Act, which are among the world’s strongest.
Saudi Arabia has long said if it does not partner with the US, it could partner with China or Russia, which have different proliferation standards. Several Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns that the deal could spark an arms race in the Middle East. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has repeatedly said he does not want the kingdom to build a nuclear weapon but it would if Iran did.
The deal now goes to Congress, where it will need to be approved. Unless Congress raises votes to object to the deal within 90 session days, the deal will go into force. However, it would need to have a two-thirds majority to override a presidential veto.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
