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Armenia and the United States have agreed to cooperate on civilian nuclear energy, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The agreement comes as Washington seeks to deepen ties with Yerevan, a former close ally of Russia, months after the US role in brokering a peace deal in the South Caucasus.
The declaration on nuclear cooperation was signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US Vice President JD Vance, who is on a two-day visit to Armenia. The two officials announced that they have completed negotiations on the so-called 123 Agreement, which allows the United States to legally license the transfer of nuclear technology and equipment to other countries.
According to JD Vance, the agreement could enable up to $5 billion in initial US exports to Armenia, as well as about $4 billion in long-term contracts for nuclear fuel supply and maintenance services.
“This is a new chapter in the ever-deepening energy cooperation between Armenia and the United States,” Prime Minister Pashinyan declared during a joint press conference with the US vice president.
Armenia, which has relied heavily on Russia and Iran for energy supplies for years, is currently considering bids from American, Russian, Chinese, French and South Korean companies to build a new nuclear reactor. The reactor would replace the existing Metsamor plant, which was built with Russian technology. Although a final decision has not yet been made, the agreement with the United States significantly increases the likelihood that Yerevan will choose an American project.
Such a choice would be a political blow to Russia, which has traditionally considered the South Caucasus part of its sphere of influence. However, Russian influence in the region has been significantly weakened after the invasion of Ukraine.
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