Uranium supplies: In addition, the nuclear deal—which was one of several new agreements reached to deepen the U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership—could lead to Saudi Arabia becoming “a critical supplier of enriched uranium to the U.S. nuclear industry,” according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Such a development would help to reduce U.S. dependence on Russian uranium supplies.
Long-term partnership: As explained by CSIS, the nuclear agreement “establishes the groundwork for a long-term, multibillion-dollar nuclear partnership with the kingdom; affirms that the United States and U.S. firms will be Saudi Arabia’s preferred partners for its civilian nuclear program; and guarantees that all collaboration will follow rigorous nonproliferation standards.” Saudi Arabia’s vast uranium reserves “uniquely position the kingdom to develop the nuclear fuel cycle, supporting its domestic energy strategy while opening the door to potential exports to the United States.”
Discussions: The agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation follows several years of discussions and negotiations between the countries on this issue. Talks had previously focused on the possible development of a Section 123 Agreement, which requires the president to certify that the deal enhances U.S. defense and security interests and to submit the agreement to Congress for a 90-day review. The new nuclear deal is expected to be submitted to Congress as a Section 123 Agreement.
Rare earth minerals: The U.S.-Saudi cooperation also will involve Saudi supplies of rare earth minerals for the United States, such as dysprosium, terbium, neodymium, and praseodymium. These supplies will serve to reduce U.S. dependence on China for such minerals, which are crucial for certain defense-related technologies and numerous civilian technologies, such as semiconductors and medical diagnostic and treatment systems.
AI systems: Artificial intelligence is another aspect of the two countries’ cooperation. Saudi Arabia is to gain access to U.S. AI systems “while protecting U.S. technology from foreign influence, ensuring that American innovators will shape the future of global AI,” according to the White House.
Total investments: In a White House statement about the agreements, it was noted that Saudi Arabia will be increasing their investment commitments in the United States to almost $1 trillion.
