US and Saudi Arabia Finalize Landmark Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement

The United States and Saudi Arabia have formally concluded negotiations on a significant civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement, announced on November 18, 2025. This landmark deal, confirmed by a White House fact sheet, establishes the legal framework for a long-term partnership aimed at developing Saudi Arabia's peaceful nuclear energy program. The agreement comes as the "AI Revolution is quickly becoming ALL about energy," as noted by The Kobeissi Letter, highlighting the growing demand for reliable power sources.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud signed a Joint Declaration on the Completion of Negotiations on Civil Nuclear Cooperation. This agreement positions American companies as preferred partners for the Kingdom's civil nuclear initiatives, ensuring adherence to stringent non-proliferation standards. Saudi Arabia has long sought to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels for domestic power generation.

The cooperation agreement is part of a broader package of strategic deals between the two nations, which also includes advancements in critical minerals cooperation and an AI Memorandum of Understanding. President Donald J. Trump hailed these agreements as strengthening the U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership and expanding opportunities for American jobs and technological leadership. The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also announced an increase in Saudi investment commitments in the United States to nearly $1 trillion.

A key point of contention in previous discussions has been Saudi Arabia's desire for domestic uranium enrichment and reprocessing capabilities, which could potentially be used to produce weapons-grade material. While the White House emphasized that all cooperation will be conducted "consistent with strong nonproliferation standards," the specifics of these safeguards remain a critical aspect of the agreement's implementation. Analysts note that the U.S. has historically maintained a "Gold Standard" requiring partners to forgo such activities.

The burgeoning artificial intelligence sector is projected to significantly increase global electricity consumption, making reliable, carbon-free energy sources like nuclear power increasingly vital. This agreement underscores Saudi Arabia's strategic pivot towards advanced energy solutions to meet its future power needs and aligns with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. The deal also signals a deeper alignment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, extending beyond traditional security concerns to encompass advanced technological and energy collaboration.