US, Bahrain Sign Civil Nuclear Cooperation Accord

The United States and Bahrain have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the development of civil nuclear energy, marking a significant step in their bilateral partnership. The agreement was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani during a White House meeting with President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This pact builds on the existing Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program and aims to promote the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation while expanding economic cooperation. Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is willing to partner with any nation seeking a civilian nuclear program not intended for weaponization or threatening regional security, a pointed reference to Iran. The accord also lays the groundwork for a potential "123 agreement" under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which would deepen technical and scientific collaboration. This initiative aligns with President Trump's broader efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf states, following extensive reciprocal investments and cooperation agreements announced earlier in the region.