US Says Saudi Nuclear Pact Excludes Enrichment Technology Transfer

Washington moved to correct claims that its newly signed civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia includes exporting uranium-enrichment capabilities. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the deal does not provide enrichment technology to the kingdom. The 30-year pact, formally a "123 agreement", was signed on July 22–23, 2026, by Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Under the framework, the US would support Saudi Arabia's development of civilian nuclear power plants using American technology, while keeping any pathway to producing enriched uranium off the table. Under the agreement, US companies would be prioritized for building reactors and related infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Any move toward enrichment would require a separate two-year joint viability study. Even if pursued, enrichment operations would be run exclusively by US entities under strict safeguards, with no technology transfer, according to US officials. US officials have framed the accord as focused on civilian electricity generation rather than weapons-grade material. The agreement also sits within the broader context of the Abraham Accords, with President Trump tying further steps to Saudi normalization with Israel. The administration's clarification comes amid heightened international concern about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. By keeping any enrichment capability under exclusive US control, Washington is seeking to provide Saudi Arabia with nuclear energy infrastructure while addressing nonproliferation concerns. The agreement still requires congressional review. The two-year viability study for any enrichment-related activity means the most sensitive elements would not be addressed until at least 2028. US officials also expect the Abraham Accords linkage to influence timelines, with a potential delay in Saudi-Israel normalization risking slower progress on parts of the wider diplomatic package, including reactor construction.