As of July 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia are in advanced negotiations on a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, which would allow Riyadh to enrich uranium. The deal, part of a broader normalization push, has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, which views Saudi enrichment as a threat to regional stability.
According to reports from Reuters and Axios, the agreement includes strict safeguards and a commitment from Saudi Arabia not to pursue nuclear weapons. However, Israeli officials have publicly stated that any enrichment on Saudi soil could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
US diplomats argue the deal is essential for securing Saudi cooperation on regional security and energy diversification. The talks have been ongoing since 2023, with a final text expected later this year.
