On July 21, 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a 30-year nuclear energy cooperation agreement, which has raised concerns among experts and officials. The agreement, signed by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart, includes provisions for the US to assist Saudi Arabia in constructing nuclear reactors and potentially enriching uranium. The details of the deal have not been fully disclosed, but it has sparked debate regarding nuclear proliferation risks in the region, particularly in light of Saudi Arabia's past statements about acquiring nuclear weapons if Iran develops them.
The agreement comes at a time when the US is engaged in conflict with Iran, which complicates the geopolitical landscape. Critics of the deal, including nonproliferation experts, express concerns that it could lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Matthew Kroenig, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted that this is unprecedented in US nuclear policy, as the US has never before assisted another country in building a uranium enrichment facility.
Following the signing, President Trump added conditions that contradicted earlier reports, stating that there would be no enrichment of material unless Saudi Arabia joined the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements with Israel. This statement has led to confusion about the agreement's terms, as Saudi officials have not confirmed such a condition was part of the negotiations.
The deal will undergo a 90-day review period in Congress, where it is expected to face opposition from both parties. Critics are concerned about the implications of the deal for US-Saudi relations and the potential for increased nuclear capabilities in the region. Proponents argue that the agreement could strengthen ties between the US and Saudi Arabia and prevent collaboration with other nations like China or Russia on nuclear projects.
As the situation develops, the White House will need to address the concerns surrounding the deal and its implications for nuclear nonproliferation efforts globally.