US‑Saudi nuclear civil agreement raises Middle East proliferation concerns

The United States and Saudi Arabia announced a civil nuclear cooperation on 22 July 2026 that would allow the kingdom to develop its own nuclear program and potentially enrich uranium using U.S. technology. The deal has triggered sharp criticism over the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, with analysts warning it could spark a regional arms race.

President Donald Trump linked progress on the agreement to the normalization of Saudi‑Israeli relations, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would also need nuclear capability. U.S. Congress members have expressed opposition, citing concerns that the agreement is less stringent than prior U.S. nuclear cooperation deals, such as those with the United Arab Emirates. The controversy centers on the possibility of enrichment activities that could be diverted to weapons production and the broader implications for regional security.