WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has approved a proposed 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, according to U.S. administration officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. The proposed agreement would establish a framework for U.S.-Saudi cooperation on a civilian nuclear program and could allow uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia under specific conditions, including a joint U.S.-Saudi feasibility study.U.S. companies would play a central role in developing the Kingdom's civilian nuclear infrastructure, according to the report. Separately, Reuters reported that the Trump administration is preparing to submit the proposed agreement, known as a 123 Agreement, to the U.S. Congress within days.The document was signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman following a preliminary agreement reached in Riyadh last year. The agreement derives its name from Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and provides the legal framework for civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and foreign partners. Congressional review is required before the agreement can take effect. In April, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States would soon announce details of a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. He noted that the Kingdom has significant uranium resources and a clear strategy to expand its peaceful nuclear energy capabilities as part of its long-term energy diversification plans.
