Trump approved historic nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia

The United States and Saudi Arabia are reportedly on the verge of a landmark 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement, according to reports citing government officials. This deal would position U.S. companies to play a significant role in developing Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure, potentially paving the way for uranium enrichment within the kingdom. The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times were the first U.S. media outlets to report on the agreement.

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This agreement would help the kingdom, a long-time rival of Iran, develop a civilian nuclear program and could pave the way for uranium enrichment on Saudi territory.

The proposed agreement aims to give the U.S. influence over Saudi Arabia's nuclear program while ensuring it cannot be diverted for military purposes. A key provision involves U.S. companies constructing a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, contingent on a joint U.S.-Saudi study deeming it appropriate. The Trump administration reportedly believes this partnership will allow for oversight and prevent weaponization, a crucial consideration given the regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

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The billion-dollar deal, reportedly valid for 30 years, would give U.S. companies a key role in building Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure and block other foreign competitors.

However, the deal faces potential opposition in the U.S. Congress. Many lawmakers are wary of expanding nuclear technology in the politically unstable Middle East. Reports suggest President Donald Trump made concessions to finalize the agreement, potentially including terms that could limit international inspectors' access to certain sites suspected of being involved in weapons programs. The U.S. Energy Secretary had previously held discussions regarding such an agreement during a visit to the region in April 2025.

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U.S. companies will build a uranium enrichment plant in Saudi Arabia, if a joint U.S.-Saudi study shows such a move is expedient.

This nuclear cooperation initiative is intertwined with broader geopolitical discussions, including the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. While that process has been stalled since the Gaza war began in late 2023, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has consistently expressed significant interest in developing a civilian nuclear program. He previously stated in 2018 that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons "as soon as possible" if Iran acquired them, highlighting the regional security dynamics influencing these negotiations.

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The U.S. administration believes that these partnerships would allow the U.S. to influence Saudi Arabia's nuclear program while ensuring it could not be misused for military purposes.