US confirms Armenia has sent request to consider nuclear deal

The United States has confirmed in written comments to CivilNet that it is studying Armenia’s request to sign a deal that would allow Washington to transfer civil nuclear technology to Yerevan.

Under federal law, the US government must sign a 123 Agreement before it can export nuclear equipment or materials to other countries. According to a State Department fact sheet last updated in 2022, the US already has such deals with 48 countries and territories.

The deal could pave the way for the United States to design and build a new nuclear power plant in Armenia to replace the one in Metsamor.

“The US Government does not share details of the negotiation process, but we can share that the State Department is giving Armenia’s request for a 123 Agreement the proper attention and due consideration,” a State Department spokesperson told CivilNet.