US-Saudi nuclear deal offers opportunities, challenges for Korea's own enrichment bid

The United States and Saudi Arabia's landmark nuclear cooperation agreement, signed July 22, has opened a conditional pathway toward uranium enrichment on Saudi soil — stopping short of granting Riyadh independent enrichment authority.

The deal has nonetheless drawn close attention in Seoul, where Korea's foreign ministry says the precedent presents both "opportunities and challenges" as it pursues its own enrichment rights in separate talks with Washington over nuclear submarines and fuel.

Known as the 123 agreement, the deal between Washington and Riyadh is described by the U.S.

Energy Department as providing "great access for American companies in the Saudi nuclear energy program, benefiting American industry, workers and supply chains," while helping to meet Saudi energy needs.

The full details are not been made public and remain subject to a 90-day congressional review period.

According to U.S. media reports, the 30-year agreement could allow Saudi Arabia to host uranium enrichment facilities built and operated by American companies, contingent on a two-year joint feasibility stu ...