US and Armenia Sign Nuclear Cooperation Agreement Amid Regional Tensions
During a visit by Vice President JD Vance to Armenia, the United States and Armenia have signed a significant agreement to collaborate in the civil nuclear sector. This agreement, known as a '123 Agreement,' allows the U.S. to license nuclear technology and equipment to Armenia. The deal focuses on small modular reactors and could lead to up to $5 billion in initial U.S. exports to Armenia, with an additional $4 billion in long-term fuel and maintenance contracts. Armenia is seeking alternatives to its aging Russian-built nuclear power plant, Metsamor, and the agreement provides Armenia with the option to choose from U.S., Russian, Chinese, French, and South Korean nuclear technologies. Vance's visit also aims to advance peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, following a recent agreement signed at the White House. The U.S. is advocating for a strategic transit corridor through Armenia, known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, to connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave.