President Donald Trump has approved a 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium for civilian reactors without adopting the "gold standard" Additional Protocol with the IAEA. The Department of Energy announced the 30-year deal Wednesday, which involves American companies providing technology for the Saudi program.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright argued the agreement upholds "highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation," but critics note Riyadh isn't required to sign the Additional Protocol like the UAE did in 2009. The deal bars Saudi enrichment technology development for a decade and includes a bilateral safeguards agreement lacking provisions that offended Riyadh regarding inspections of holy sites.

Proponents say the multi-billion-dollar partnership benefits US industry and counters Russian and Chinese influence. Nuclear consultant Dan Joyner noted it provides Washington continuing influence over Saudi nuclear practices. However, Sen. Ed Markey warned it enables proliferation and could ignite a regional arms race, while Henry Sokolski questioned what new standard it sets for Turkey, Egypt, and others.

The agreement now faces congressional review where lawmakers could block it. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pledged to seek nuclear weapons if Iran does, raising concerns given Tehran's enriched uranium stockpile. Israel remains wary of Saudi nuclear access amid regional tensions.