US, Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Nuclear Cooperation Deal

By Aurax Radio | July 23, 2026 | 2 min read

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civil nuclear agreement that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium on its own soil. The deal is expected to deepen U.S.-Saudi ties but has raised concerns over nuclear proliferation and regional security.

Riyadh skyline with energy infrastructure representing Saudi Arabia's expanding energy sector.

audi Arabia plans to expand its civilian nuclear energy program under a new agreement with the United States.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a long-awaited civil nuclear cooperation agreement that could pave the way for the kingdom to develop a domestic uranium enrichment program. The 30-year accord, signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, allows American companies to help build Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear energy sector while establishing a legal framework for future cooperation. The agreement will now undergo a 90-day congressional review as required under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act.

The agreement marks a significant shift in U.S. policy because it permits a pathway to uranium enrichment inside Saudi Arabia, a provision absent from previous U.S. nuclear agreements with countries such as the United Arab Emirates. U.S. officials say the pact contains safeguards designed to ensure nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes and will strengthen Washington's strategic partnership with Riyadh while limiting opportunities for China and Russia to expand their influence in the kingdom's nuclear sector.

The deal has drawn criticism from nonproliferation experts and some lawmakers, who argue that allowing uranium enrichment could increase the risk of a regional nuclear arms race, particularly as tensions with Iran remain high. Saudi Arabia has long maintained that its nuclear ambitions are focused on generating electricity and supporting economic diversification, but officials have also said the kingdom would consider matching Iran's nuclear capabilities if Tehran were to acquire a nuclear weapon. The agreement comes as the Trump administration continues military operations against Iran while seeking to reinforce longstanding security and economic ties with Saudi Arabia.

Sources: Information was compiled from reporting by Reuters, The Associated Press, BBC News, CNN, The Washington Post, NBC News and The Wall Street Journal.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse