Trump Approves U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal That Could Open Door to Uranium Enrichment
News Blend 360
Wed, July 22, 2026 at 1:10 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (NB360) — President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could eventually allow uranium enrichment within the kingdom, according to multiple reports citing administration officials and individuals familiar with the negotiations.
The agreement is expected to remain in effect for 30 years and could be worth tens of billions of dollars. American companies would play a central role in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure, potentially including reactors, fuel services and related technology.
Enrichment facility could follow joint study
One of the agreement’s most consequential provisions calls for the United States and Saudi Arabia to study whether a uranium enrichment facility should be constructed on Saudi territory.
If the two countries determine that an enrichment facility is warranted, U.S. companies could be selected to build and possibly operate it under strict restrictions. The agreement reportedly establishes a legal pathway for cooperation involving the nuclear fuel cycle, but it would not automatically require Washington to transfer enrichment technology directly to Saudi officials.
Uranium enrichment is commonly used to produce fuel for civilian nuclear power plants. However, the same technology can be used to produce highly enriched uranium suitable for nuclear weapons if enrichment levels are increased significantly.
That dual-use capability has made the proposed agreement controversial among nuclear nonproliferation experts and members of Congress.
Congressional review expected
The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress as a Section 123 nuclear cooperation agreement.
Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act establishes the legal framework for significant nuclear cooperation between the United States and foreign governments, including the transfer of nuclear materials, equipment and technical information. Such agreements are subject to congressional review and must meet established nonproliferation requirements.
Lawmakers are expected to closely examine whether the Saudi agreement contains sufficient safeguards to prevent civilian nuclear technology from being diverted toward a weapons program.
Reports indicate that the agreement does not require Saudi Arabia to renounce domestic uranium enrichment or the processing of spent nuclear fuel. Those restrictions were included in the United Arab Emirates’ nuclear agreement with the United States and have frequently been described as the “gold standard” for civilian nuclear cooperation.
Questions surrounding international inspections
Saudi Arabia is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which commits the kingdom not to develop nuclear weapons and subjects its declared nuclear activities to international safeguards.
However, the proposed U.S.-Saudi agreement reportedly does not require Riyadh to implement the IAEA’s Additional Protocol. The protocol gives international inspectors broader authority to investigate undeclared nuclear materials, facilities and activities.
Saudi Arabia has previously resisted adopting the protocol, citing sovereignty concerns. Critics argue that the absence of expanded inspections could make it more difficult to verify that all Saudi nuclear activities remain peaceful.
Concerns about a regional arms race
The agreement arrives during heightened tensions involving Iran’s nuclear program and continuing conflict across the Middle East.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that Saudi Arabia would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran obtained one. That declaration has intensified concerns that permitting uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia could contribute to a regional nuclear competition.
The timing could also raise questions about U.S. nuclear policy. Washington has strongly opposed Iran’s enrichment activities while potentially allowing a close American partner to develop similar capabilities under different safeguards.
Supporters of the Saudi agreement argue that American participation would give Washington greater visibility and influence over the kingdom’s program than it would have if Riyadh partnered with China, Russia or another nuclear supplier.
Economic and strategic benefits
Saudi Arabia says it wants civilian nuclear power to diversify its energy sector, reduce domestic oil consumption and support the economic transformation outlined under its Vision 2030 program.
Nuclear energy could help power desalination facilities, air-conditioning systems and other energy-intensive infrastructure while allowing the kingdom to export more of the oil it currently uses to generate electricity.
The agreement could also produce major contracts for American nuclear companies and strengthen strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
The White House and Saudi officials had not released the complete text of the agreement at the time of publication. The specific conditions governing enrichment, inspections, facility operations and access to sensitive technology are expected to become central issues during the congressional review.
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