US and Saudi Arabia Set to Announce Landmark Civilian Nuclear Deal

The United States and Saudi Arabia are expected to announce a landmark agreement allowing the Gulf kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme, according to media reports. The deal, expected to be unveiled by President Donald Trump’s administration, would enable U.S. companies to help build and operate nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia, including a U.S.-built uranium enrichment plant. The agreement is reportedly valued at tens of billions of dollars and would remain in force for 30 years.

Under the proposed framework, Saudi Arabia could enrich uranium on its own soil after completing a joint study with the United States, allowing it to produce fuel for civilian nuclear power plants rather than relying on imports. However, the reported provision has raised concerns among nuclear experts, non-proliferation advocates, and former Israeli officials, who warn that enrichment technology could potentially be used to develop nuclear weapons in the future. The agreement will require consultation with the U.S. Congress, where some lawmakers are expected to oppose the plan despite Republican control of both chambers.

The reported deal comes amid heightened regional tensions over nuclear issues following the recent U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that while the kingdom does not seek nuclear weapons, it would pursue them if Iran were to acquire one. According to reports, the agreement is not tied to Saudi Arabia establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, separating it from previous U.S. efforts to link nuclear cooperation with broader Middle East normalization initiatives.