The United States has approved a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could eventually allow uranium enrichment inside the kingdom under strict American oversight, marking a major shift in Washington’s Middle East strategy.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump has authorized the proposed agreement, which is expected to be signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman before being submitted to the US Congress for review.
The 30-year agreement, valued at tens of billions of dollars, aims to position American companies at the center of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy program while limiting the involvement of competing suppliers from countries such as China and Russia.
Uranium Enrichment Study Planned
A key element of the agreement is a joint US-Saudi feasibility study to determine whether uranium enrichment within Saudi Arabia is commercially viable.
If the study supports the project, American companies would construct and operate the enrichment facility under a “black box” system designed to prevent the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi authorities.
US officials said the arrangement would ensure that enriched uranium is used solely for peaceful civilian purposes while allowing Washington to maintain operational oversight of the facility.
The agreement also includes a safeguard preventing Saudi Arabia from pursuing uranium enrichment independently—or with another foreign partner—for 10 years if the United States ultimately decides not to proceed with the project.
Strengthening US-Saudi Energy Partnership
The proposed deal is expected to deepen strategic cooperation between Washington and Riyadh while supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term plans to diversify its energy sector.
It could also provide a significant boost to the American nuclear industry. Westinghouse Electric is widely expected to become one of the primary beneficiaries, with its AP1000 nuclear reactor technology likely to play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s future nuclear infrastructure.
Supporters argue that the agreement would strengthen US influence in the region and reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on Russian and Chinese nuclear technology providers.
Concerns Over Nuclear Proliferation
The proposal has generated criticism from nonproliferation experts and some lawmakers, who warn that permitting uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia could encourage other Middle Eastern countries to pursue similar capabilities.
Critics also point to Saudi Arabia’s decision not to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Additional Protocol, which allows more comprehensive international inspections of civilian nuclear facilities.
Some analysts argue that the absence of those additional safeguards raises questions about long-term transparency and regional security.
Policy Shift From Previous Administration
The agreement represents a notable departure from the policy pursued by former President Joe Biden.
The previous administration linked civilian nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia to the kingdom’s potential normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Trump administration has removed that condition, allowing negotiations to move forward independently while continuing to pressure Iran over its nuclear activities and stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Congressional Review Ahead
The proposed agreement will now undergo congressional review before taking effect.
US officials maintain that the framework includes robust safeguards designed to ensure Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program remains exclusively civilian and complies with international nonproliferation standards.
If approved by Congress, the agreement could become one of the most significant US-Saudi strategic partnerships in decades, reshaping cooperation in nuclear energy while influencing the geopolitical balance across the Middle East.
