U.S., Saudi Arabia sign civil nuclear deal

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement that will now go to Congress, where some lawmakers have raised concerns that the kingdom could eventually use a civilian nuclear program to pursue nuclear weapons.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the agreement on Wednesday. They also signed a separate safeguards agreement covering nuclear safety, security and nonproliferation.

Known as a 123 agreement, the deal establishes the legal framework for American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy program and transfer certain nuclear technology and materials to the kingdom.

The Department of Energy said the agreement is expected to form the basis of a decades-long partnership worth billions of dollars. It did not identify any projects or contracts that have been approved.

The agreement will now be sent to Congress for review.

Some lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials have opposed nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia over concerns that the kingdom could eventually use a civilian program to develop nuclear weapons, according to the New York Times.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said the kingdom would develop nuclear weapons if Iran does. In a previous interview, he said Saudi Arabia would do so “without a doubt.”