The US government clarified on July 27, 2026, that its recent nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia does not include the transfer of uranium enrichment technology. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the deal focuses solely on civilian nuclear power development.
Signed on July 22-23, the 30-year civil nuclear agreement, known as a “123 agreement,” commits the US to assist Saudi Arabia in constructing nuclear reactors using American technology. However, the sensitive enrichment process remains off the table, with any future steps requiring a separate two-year feasibility study and exclusive US oversight without technology transfer.
Under this framework, priority is given to US companies for building the nuclear infrastructure, ensuring strict control over critical components. Officials stressed this arrangement aims to provide energy resources to Saudi Arabia while maintaining nonproliferation safeguards.
Political and Strategic Context
This move comes amid global concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation in the Middle East. By retaining control over enrichment capabilities, Washington seeks to balance Saudi Arabia’s energy ambitions with international security demands. The agreement also ties into the Abraham Accords, linking further progress to the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which could influence project timelines.
Congressional review remains pending, and the enrichment technology issue will not be addressed before the viability study concludes around 2028, keeping the most sensitive part of the deal under scrutiny for some time.
