The United States says it has reached what officials described as a historic agreement with Saudi Arabia on civilian nuclear cooperation. According to the U.S. Energy Department, the pact would let the kingdom develop nuclear reactors with American technology.
The agreement now moves to Congress, which has 90 session days to raise objections before it can take effect. That review period is likely to draw attention because nuclear cooperation deals involving sensitive technology often face close scrutiny in Washington.
One of the most closely watched aspects of the pact is what it does not include. The deal reportedly leaves out the IAEA Additional Protocol, a safeguard that provides broader, more intrusive inspection powers. Its absence could become a central issue for lawmakers and nonproliferation experts evaluating the arrangement.
The reported terms also allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and reprocess nuclear waste, two activities that are considered especially sensitive because they can have implications beyond civilian energy use. Supporters may view the agreement as a major strategic step in U.S.-Saudi ties, while critics are likely to focus on oversight and proliferation concerns as Congress begins its review.
