'The Kingdom strongly supports the non-proliferation of weapons,' Trump pushes for Saudi nuclear deal in letter
The agreement, which was reportedly submitted August 24, opens the door to peaceful nuclear cooperation between Washington and Riyadh, including the transfer of reactors, equipment, and technology
US President Donald Trump reportedly sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson on August 24, transmitting some of the text of the Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Trump also transmitted his written approval, authorization, and determination concerning the agreement, along with an unclassified Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement.
According to the communication, the agreement provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation based on mutual commitment to nonproliferation, permitting the transfer of material and equipment, including reactors, components, and information for peaceful nuclear purposes. It would also allow the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology to support a joint enrichment and conversion study, or upon written agreement of both parties, though it does not permit the transfer of restricted data.
Any special fissionable material transferred would be limited to low-enriched uranium, aside from small quantities for use as samples, standards, detectors, or targets.
The agreement has a 30-year term but can be terminated by either party with at least one year's written notice. Key nonproliferation conditions and controls would remain in effect after termination or expiration for as long as any covered material, equipment, or components remain in either party's territory or jurisdiction, until the parties agree such items are no longer relevant to nuclear safeguards.
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Trump's communication states that Saudi Arabia "strongly supports the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction" and has reiterated its commitment to nonproliferation. It noted the kingdom is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and has a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Trump said he considered the views of relevant departments and agencies and determined the agreement's performance "will promote, and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common defense and security," and has approved and authorized its execution.
The administration said it is prepared to begin consultations with the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees, with a 30-day continuous session review to be followed by a 60-day review period.