The United States and Saudi Arabia will sign a preliminary agreement for cooperation on developing the kingdom's civil nuclear industry, according to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The announcement came during Wright's visit to Riyadh on Sunday, April 13, 2025, after meeting with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Wright stated that Riyadh and Washington are on "a pathway" to reaching an agreement for Saudi civil nuclear program development. This marks his first visit to the kingdom as Energy Secretary during a tour of Gulf States known for energy production.

This development comes as other nations are also expanding their nuclear portfolios. Italy recently announced plans to invest 200 million euros in Newcleo, an Italian nuclear startup focused on advanced reactor design, as part of a broader strategy to return to nuclear power and boost energy security.

Additional details about the memorandum outlining energy cooperation between the two countries will be released later this year. Wright noted, "For a U.S. partnership and involvement in nuclear here, there will definitely be a 123 agreement."

The "123 agreement" refers to Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which is necessary for allowing the U.S. Government and American companies to work with Saudi entities on civil nuclear industry development. The agreement outlines nine non-proliferation requirements that must be met to prevent technology from being used for nuclear weapons.

Past negotiations faced challenges because Saudi Arabia was reluctant to sign an agreement that would prevent uranium enrichment or spent fuel reprocessing, both potential pathways to nuclear weapons development. Wright confirmed that "Saudi authorities have not agreed to the requirements under the act."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Iran developed nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would do the same. This position has caused concern among:

• Arms control advocates
• U.S. lawmakers

Saudi Arabia, as the world's largest oil exporter, aims to increase renewable energy generation and reduce emissions as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform plan. Nuclear energy is expected to contribute to these goals.