Photo: AP/Evan Vucci
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart signed the "123 Agreement," a strategic pact for peaceful nuclear cooperation. The agreement grants major US corporations broad access to Riyadh’s emerging nuclear energy program.
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This development follows years of complex negotiations, raising crucial questions about its sudden timing amid severe instability in the Middle East and the notably flexible terms involved.
A More Flexible Nuclear Agreement?
"123 Agreements" are established under section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, enabling the transfer of civilian nuclear technology, equipment, and expertise. However, this new pact deviates significantly from previous precedents:
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Departure from the "Gold Standard": The explicit waiver of domestic uranium enrichment rights—a standard established in the 2009 UAE agreement—is absent.
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Lack of the "Additional Protocol": The text does not mandate the more intrusive and stringent inspections of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
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Security Concerns: This flexibility has sparked international alarms regarding potential future military nuclear capabilities in the region.
The decision to move forward now is driven by several geopolitical and economic calculations:
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Blocking Alternative Alliances: Washington acted proactively, recognizing that denying technology would likely push Riyadh toward Russia's Rosatom or China's CNNC.
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Corporate Interests: Westinghouse Electric Company and other American industrial giants are positioned to secure multi-billion-dollar contracts.
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Shadow of Business Ties: Critics note that the relaxation of nuclear standards coincides with strengthening commercial links between the Trump family and Saudi Arabia (e.g., the Trump Tower in Jeddah).
Risks and the Israel Factor
Experts warn that the agreement could prove destabilizing:
"The agreement feels like extinguishing a fire with kerosene in an already burning region."
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Regional Arms Race: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has explicitly stated that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia will do the same. Meanwhile, nations like Turkey and Egypt may demand similar favorable terms.
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Iran's Stance: Washington risks handing Tehran the argument of a "double standard," undermining future diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's own nuclear program.
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The Abraham Accords Obstacle: Although the initial announcement seemed to bypass normalization with Israel and uranium enrichment restrictions, Donald Trump subsequently stated on social media that final approval depends entirely on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords and respecting non-enrichment limits, leaving the door open to fresh friction.
