The United States and Saudi Arabia have announced a nuclear cooperation deal described by the Trump administration as 'historic', giving US companies priority access to Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy programme while raising concerns in Israel and among some US lawmakers.
Key facts
- The US and Saudi Arabia have reached a nuclear cooperation deal, according to multiple outlets.
- The US Department of Energy says the peaceful cooperation agreement will give US firms 'great access' to the Saudi nuclear energy programme.
- NPR reports the deal is expected to last decades and be worth billions of dollars.
- The Trump administration says the agreement will 'reinforce global nonproliferation standards' and create jobs in the US.
- US cooperation with foreign countries on civilian nuclear power requires review by Congress under the Atomic Energy Act.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, fulfilling what the BBC describes as a long-held Saudi ambition. Several outlets, including Sky News and Al Jazeera, reported on 22 July 2026 that the two countries had reached the deal.
According to the BBC, the US Department of Energy said the ‘peaceful’ cooperation agreement will give US firms ‘great access’ to the Saudi nuclear energy programme. NPR reported that the agreement gives American companies priority access to nuclear reactors and fuel for Saudi Arabia, and that it is expected to last decades and be worth billions of dollars.
The Trump administration framed the agreement as ‘historic’, saying it will ‘reinforce global nonproliferation standards’ and create jobs in the US, according to Al Jazeera. NPR characterised the deal as a commercial nuclear agreement.
The BBC reported that while the agreement fulfils a long-held Saudi ambition, it could attract concern in Israel and from some US lawmakers.
CNBC noted that US cooperation with foreign countries on civilian nuclear power requires review by Congress under the Atomic Energy Act, meaning the agreement faces a formal legislative process.
The deal marks a significant step in the energy relationship between Washington and Riyadh, with the reported scale and duration pointing to a long-term commercial commitment involving American nuclear firms.
Why it matters
A US-Saudi nuclear cooperation deal would deepen ties between the two countries and open a potentially multi-billion-dollar market for American nuclear companies. It also raises questions about regional security and nonproliferation, with the BBC noting possible concern in Israel and among some US lawmakers.
Frequently asked questions
What does the US-Saudi nuclear deal include?
According to NPR, the agreement gives American companies priority access to nuclear reactors and fuel for Saudi Arabia. The US Department of Energy said it will give US firms 'great access' to the Saudi nuclear energy programme, per the BBC.
How much is the deal worth?
NPR reported that the agreement is expected to last decades and be worth billions of dollars. No more specific figure was provided in the reporting.
Does the deal need approval from Congress?
CNBC reported that US cooperation with foreign countries on civilian nuclear power requires review by Congress under the Atomic Energy Act.