Archive · 23 Jul 2026
US and Saudi Arabia Reach Nuclear Power Deal
The United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed on a deal that lets Saudi Arabia build nuclear reactors using American technology.
This deal allows Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and reprocess nuclear waste, which could be used to make nuclear weapons.
The deal follows strong nonproliferation rules, but some people are worried it could start a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
The deal now goes to the U.S. Congress for review.
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have reached a civil nuclear power deal.
The deal allows Saudi Arabia to build nuclear reactors using American technology and to enrich uranium.
The deal abides by nonproliferation agreements in the U.S. Atomic Energy Act.
Saudi Arabia could partner with China or Russia if it does not partner with the U.S.
Several Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the deal potentially sparking an arms race in the Middle East.
- Who
- United States and Saudi Arabia
- What
- A civil nuclear power deal allowing Saudi Arabia to build nuclear reactors using American technology and to enrich uranium
- When
- July 22
- Where
- United States and Saudi Arabia
- Why
- To allow Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear power while adhering to nonproliferation agreements
Proponents of the Deal
Opponents of the Deal
Nonproliferation Compliance
Proponents of the Deal
The deal abides by the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which includes strong nonproliferation agreements.
Opponents of the Deal
The deal allows Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and reprocess nuclear waste, which are potential pathways to making a nuclear weapon.
Geopolitical Implications
Proponents of the Deal
The deal prevents Saudi Arabia from partnering with China or Russia, which have different proliferation standards.
Opponents of the Deal
The deal could spark an arms race in the Middle East and make the region less safe.
- Parties Involved
- United States and Saudi Arabia
- Agreement Type
- 123 Agreement and bilateral safeguards agreement
- Key Officials
- U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman
- Congressional Review Period
- 90 session days
- Potential Pathways
- Uranium enrichment and nuclear waste reprocessing
- Opposition Concerns
- Potential arms race in the Middle East and nuclear weapon development