The world’s next nuclear power may surprise you

The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a cooperation agreement on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which creates a legal basis for the participation of American companies in the development of the Saudi nuclear program. The document, known as a Section 123 Agreement, was signed by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The parties also signed an accompanying bilateral safeguards agreement, ensuring that the transferred technologies and materials will be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

Although the agreement has been signed, it is not yet in full effect and must undergo the congressional review process under US law. Such documents are subject to approximately 90-day congressional deliberations, during which legislators can attempt to block the agreement. Therefore, this agreement is considered signed but not yet fully implemented.

Negotiations on the main provisions were completed in the fall of 2025. On November 18, 2025, the US Department of Energy officially announced the signing of a joint declaration, formalizing the completion of negotiations on civil nuclear cooperation. At the time, Washington had already declared its intention to transfer American nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia while simultaneously establishing a special bilateral safeguards mechanism.

The Section 123 Agreement does not automatically guarantee Saudi Arabia access to nuclear materials, uranium enrichment facilities, or a full range of sensitive technologies. Such agreements constitute the legal basis, as provided for by Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, without which American companies cannot supply nuclear equipment, components, and materials. Specific projects and export operations will require separate licenses and approvals from US regulatory authorities.