Trump Approves Landmark Nuclear Energy Deal With Saudi Arabia

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a 123 agreement, on July 22 and 23, 2026. Signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the pact establishes a framework for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear infrastructure using American firms like Westinghouse. The deal allows the kingdom to potentially build a uranium enrichment facility following a joint U.S.-Saudi study to support its Vision 2030 economic goals.

Donald Trump approved the deal, which deviates from the U.S. gold standard of nonproliferation. Notably, the agreement omits the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol and does not require Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel. Saudi officials reportedly resisted the protocol to protect royal residences and holy sites in Mecca from inspectors. The administration argues the deal blocks Russian and Chinese influence and provides a multi-billion dollar windfall for the U.S. nuclear sector.

Israeli officials and U.S. lawmakers warn the agreement could trigger a regional nuclear arms race, citing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's previous statements that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran acquired one. This diplomatic shift occurs as the U.S. continues a military campaign against Iran, with Trump recently threatening the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility following the deaths of four U.S. service members. The agreement now faces a 90-day Congressional review period, though blocking it would require a two-thirds majority to override a presidential veto.