US government clarifies nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, denies enrichment technology export

The US government is pushing back on characterizations that its newly signed nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia includes exporting uranium enrichment capabilities. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated plainly that the agreement does not involve transferring enrichment technology to the kingdom. The 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement, known formally as a “123 agreement,” was signed on July 22-23, 2026, by Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The US will help Saudi Arabia build civilian nuclear power plants using American technology, but won’t hand over the keys to making enriched uranium. What the deal actually includes The agreement prioritizes US companies for constructing reactors and related infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Any future development of enrichment capabilities would require a separate two-year joint viability study. Even then, operations would be managed exclusively by US entities under strict safeguards, with zero technology transfer. Wright and other US officials have repeatedly emphasized that this deal is about civilian energy generation, not weapons-grade material. The deal also sits within the broader framework of the Abraham Accor...