Oil-rich nation also develops nuclear power: U.S.-Saudi Arabia nuclear agreement causes tension in Japan and Israel

The U.S. government and Saudi Arabia have formally signed a historic civil nuclear cooperation agreement (123 Agreement), removing legal barriers for U.S. companies to participate in Saudi Arabia's nuclear development plans. The agreement aims to establish cooperation based on standards for nuclear safety, protection, and non-proliferation. Saudi Arabia aims to build approximately 17.6 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2032 and achieve self-sufficiency in nuclear fuel. However, the agreement has raised concerns about the possibility of Saudi Arabia developing nuclear weapons. Additionally, the agreement could impact the geopolitical balance in the Middle East, and concerns have been raised in Japan and Israel.