NewsCBS News PoliticsJuly 23, 2026United States
U.S. and Saudi Arabia Sign Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have signed a commercial agreement to cooperate on civilian nuclear energy technology. President Trump has stated that final approval is contingent upon Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords and has explicitly prohibited uranium enrichment under the deal.
Read the full story at CBS News PoliticsWhy It Matters
This agreement establishes a framework for U.S. companies to build civilian nuclear infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, pending congressional review and the kingdom's potential normalization of relations with Israel.
Key Facts
- The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement to develop civilian nuclear energy capacity.
- President Trump stated the deal is contingent upon Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
- President Trump explicitly stated the agreement will not allow for the enrichment of uranium.
- The agreement is subject to mandatory congressional review under a 1954 law.
- The deal aims to support energy needs for civilian purposes, including AI data centers.
- The agreement includes a safeguard agreement to ensure nuclear safety and nonproliferation standards.
- The framework for this cooperation was initially developed under the Biden administration.
- Westinghouse Electric Company is identified as a primary U.S. partner for the project.
Who's Mentioned
personJoe Biden“Former U.S. President”personLindsey Graham“Late U.S. Senator”personPrince Abdulaziz bin Salman“Saudi Minister of Energy”personBenjamin Netanyahu“Israeli Prime Minister”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”personChris Wright“U.S. Secretary of Energy”organizationWestinghouse Electric Company“U.S. company planning to develop Saudi nuclear sector”personKaroline Leavitt“White House press secretary”personDan Sumner“CEO of Westinghouse”