US and Saudi Arabia sign new nuclear agreement that could pave way for kingdom to enrich uranium
The pact could give Saudi Arabia access to U.S. nuclear technology and contract opportunities while leaving out key safeguards long sought by Washington.
- On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed a 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement establishing a multibillion-dollar partnership.
- The pact includes a bilateral safeguards agreement and permits a joint two-year study on uranium enrichment, potentially utilizing a U.S.-managed 'black box' facility to mitigate proliferation risks.
- President Donald Trump later declared the agreement 'totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining' the Abraham Accords, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned 'the deal is off' if Saudi Arabia declines.
- The administration submitted the agreement to Congress for a 90-day review, triggering bipartisan alarm from lawmakers and Israeli officials who fear the lack of 'gold standard' oversight could accelerate regional proliferation.
- Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett warned the agreement represents a 'severe strategic failure' that could endanger security, though the administration argues the partnership strengthens U.S. industrial interests.
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