The United States and Saudi Arabia have formally agreed to deepen civilian nuclear energy cooperation, a move announced during a high-level White House meeting on November 19, 2025. The agreement, signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, establishes a legal framework for a decades-long partnership in nuclear power — with U.S. companies designated as Riyadh’s preferred providers of nuclear technology and services. According to official statements, the deal confirms that all cooperation will adhere to rigorous non-proliferation safeguards.

The White House described the agreement as building “the legal foundation for a multi-billion-dollar nuclear energy partnership,” while U.S. officials underscored that American technical standards and oversight will govern reactor construction, fuel supply, and nuclear safety. For Riyadh, the accord aligns with its long-term economic plan and ambition to diversify energy sources beyond oil.

However, the deal falls short of a full formalisation under U.S. law. At present, only a “Joint Declaration on the Completion of Negotiations” has been signed. A formal civil-nuclear cooperation agreement under Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act — which lays out detailed non-proliferation commitments, fuel supply rules, inspection regimes, and congressional review — has not yet been finalised or submitted for congressional approval. Riyadh continues to reserve the right to enrich uranium, a position that has drawn concern from non-proliferation advocates and some lawmakers.