U.S. announces civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia
The U.S. has signed a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish a nuclear program while including non-proliferation safeguards. The deal faces scrutiny from lawmakers and international observers concerned about potential weaponization.
Why it matters
This agreement marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitical strategy and nuclear policy, occurring amidst ongoing regional tensions.
The United States on Wednesday (July 23, 2026) announced a landmark deal with Saudi Arabia that would establish a civilian nuclear program in the Gulf country, with Washington insisting the agreement includes safeguards against non-proliferation.
The move comes as the United States under President Donald Trump fights a war with Iran that began in part over U.S. concerns with Tehran's nuclear program — an issue that remains a key point of contention during now-stalled talks between the two foes.
The deals were signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the U.S. Energy Department said.
"Together, these two agreements lay the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that advances several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear nonproliferation," the department said in a statement.
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