The US Ministry initially did not publish the exact content.Image: US Department of Energy
The government of US President Donald Trump wants to help Saudi Arabia set up a civilian nuclear program. The most important thing in six points.
July 23, 2026, 12:23 amJuly 23, 2026, 12:31 a.m
The energy ministers of both countries, Chris Wright and Abdulasis bin Salman, signed a corresponding agreement in Washington, as the US Department of Energy announced. The ministry initially did not publish the exact content.
The Trump administration is likely to hope to reduce their influence through the nuclear deal with Riyadh. Wright held discussions about such a deal during a trip to Saudi Arabia last year, which was also the topic of Crown Prince Mohammed’s meeting with Trump in Washington in November.
That’s what you want to know.
What does the deal bring to the USA and Saudi Arabia?
The USA wants to benefit economically: They want to export nuclear technology, which should create US jobs. For Saudi Arabia, according to the US announcement, the agreement is intended to help meet the country’s energy needs.
US Energy Secretary Wright emphasized that the agreement meets the highest standards and also means that nuclear weapons will not be spread. The agreement will be submitted to the US Parliament for consideration, where there could be resistance.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.Image: www.imago-images.de
Is there resistance?
Yes, many MPs oppose the expansion of nuclear technology in the politically unstable Middle East – especially in the current US war with Saudi Arabia’s long-time rival Iran.
In addition, it was initially unclear to what extent international inspectors could have access to the locations in order to prevent military abuse.
What has the media previously reported?
The “Wall Street Journal” had previously reported, citing government officials, that Trump had approved a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia. The report also said the agreement could potentially pave the way for uranium enrichment on Saudi territory.
The multi-billion dollar agreement should therefore have a term of 30 years, secure US companies a key role in the development of the Saudi nuclear infrastructure and exclude other foreign competitors. According to the report, a key regulation stipulates that US companies build a uranium enrichment plant in Saudi Arabia if a joint US-Saudi study concludes that such a step is justified.
It was initially unclear whether the agreement actually contained such a regulation.
What about China and Russia?
Saudi Arabia is, next to Iran, the largest energy consumer in the region. The kingdom has no known nuclear weapons program, but has been pushing forward the use of nuclear power for years under the crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman. In addition to the USA, the country also held corresponding discussions with China and Russia.
The Trump administration is likely hoping to roll back the influence of Russia and China through the nuclear deal with Riyadh.Image: keystone
The Trump administration is likely to hope to reduce their influence through the nuclear deal with Riyadh. Wright held discussions about such a deal during a trip to Saudi Arabia last year, which was also the topic of Crown Prince Mohammed’s meeting with Trump in Washington in November.
Saudi Arabia has signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which bans the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The country has also concluded a comprehensive agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which, among other things, aims to prevent the construction of nuclear weapons through inspections. However, Riyadh has not yet concluded a so-called additional protocol with the IAEA that would allow the authority to search for traces of secret activities in the country.
Could this also encourage other states to arm themselves with nuclear weapons?
The crown prince declared in 2018 that his country was not seeking nuclear weapons. If Iran does this, Saudi Arabia will follow “as quickly as possible”. He also reaffirmed this position in 2023. Riyadh and Tehran have long been rivals in the region and have only cautiously approached each other since 2023. Experts fear that the move could encourage other countries in the region to arm themselves with nuclear weapons – such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Egypt.
Saudi Arabia has already strengthened security ties with nuclear power Pakistan. Both countries signed an agreement following Israel’s attack on Hamas representatives in Qatar last year. Pakistan’s government said that under the agreement, Riyadh would also have access to the Pakistani program.
Who are the nuclear powers?
The five recognized nuclear powers are the USA, Russia, China, France and Great Britain. India, Pakistan, North Korea and, unofficially, Israel also have nuclear weapons.
According to the Stockholm Institute for Peace Research SIPRI, there are more than 9,600 deployable nuclear warheads worldwide. (ome/sda/dpa)