Trump Approves Landmark Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia in Big Win for Kingdom
The deal could mean large profits for American companies but also is likely to raise concerns about nuclear proliferation in Middle East
July 21, 2026 The Wall Street Journal
President Trump has formally approved a landmark agreement with Saudi Arabia that will provide the country with a civilian nuclear program and potentially open the door to uranium enrichment in the kingdom’s territory, according to U.S. officials.
The new deal, which would last 30 years, is estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars. It is designed to give American companies a central role in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure while shutting out other foreign competitors.
A key provision of the new accord would have American companies build an uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint U.S.-Saudi study determines such a step would be warranted.
That would give the U.S. influence over the Saudi nuclear program and, Trump administration officials argue, a way to prevent it from being misused for military purposes.
Yet the deal, which is expected to be submitted to Congress for review in the coming days, is certain to prove controversial among many lawmakers who oppose the spread of nuclear technology in the volatile Middle East.
The accord will be difficult for lawmakers to block because doing so would require a joint resolution and a two-thirds majority vote to override a potential presidential veto.
Trump greenlit the agreement late last week, and the accord is expected to be signed Wednesday by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who discussed the deal during his first overseas trip to the region in April 2025 with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who will also sign the deal.
Updates to follow as news develops.
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