The Atomic Energy Act (AEA) of 1954 is a United States federal law that governs the use of nuclear energy in the country. One of the most significant aspects of the act is the section known as the ”123 agreement.”

The 123 agreement, also known as the nuclear cooperation agreement, is an agreement between the United States and a foreign country that outlines the terms of cooperation for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement is named after section 123 of the AEA, which requires that any nuclear cooperation agreement with a foreign country must be approved by Congress.

The purpose of the 123 agreement is to promote cooperation between the United States and other countries in the development and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes while preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. The agreement typically covers topics such as the transfer of nuclear materials, technology, and equipment, as well as the conditions under which they can be used.

The 123 agreement has been used in a number of important nuclear partnerships between the United States and other countries throughout the years. For example, the agreement was used in the 2005 U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, which allowed India to purchase nuclear fuel and technology from the United States for the first time in more than three decades.

However, the 123 agreement has also been the subject of controversy. Some critics argue that the agreement can be used to provide cover for countries that are secretly developing nuclear weapons. Others point out that the agreement can be used as a tool of U.S. foreign policy, allowing the United States to reward or punish countries based on their level of cooperation.

Despite these concerns, the 123 agreement remains an important tool for promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and other countries. As more countries around the world seek to develop their nuclear capabilities, the need for clear and transparent agreements governing the use of nuclear energy becomes increasingly important.