US‑Saudi nuclear cooperation deal approved by Trump

The Trump administration has approved a 30‑year “123” agreement with Saudi Arabia that would enable Riyadh to develop a civilian nuclear energy programme. The pact would allow U.S. companies to assist in building the Saudi nuclear infrastructure and, if a joint U.S.–Saudi study deems it justified, to construct a uranium‑enrichment facility on Saudi soil. The deal is expected to be announced publicly on 22 July 2026 and will be submitted to the U.S. Congress for review, though congressional approval is not required for the agreement to take effect.

The agreement does not incorporate the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol or the “gold standard” that bars enrichment, prompting strong objections from U.S. lawmakers, non‑proliferation experts, and Israeli officials who fear the arrangement could pave the way for a weapons‑grade program. It comes amid heightened regional tension, with the United States and Saudi Arabia engaged in renewed fighting against Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and broader U.S.–Iran hostilities.

The programme is projected to involve tens of billions of dollars for the U.S. nuclear industry, with firms such as Westinghouse positioned to secure major contracts.