Trump approves 30-year nuclear program for Saudi Arabia
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- The deal gives US companies a leading role in developing Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure.
- It allows for a potential US-built uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, pending a feasibility study.
- The agreement will be signed by US and Saudi officials before being submitted to Congress.
US President Donald Trump has formally approved a landmark 30-year civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for American energy firms to build the kingdom's nuclear power infrastructure.
First reported by The Wall Street Journal, the agreement is estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars.
The pact aims to secure a dominant position for US technology in the Middle East's emerging nuclear energy market while explicitly excluding foreign rivals.
Uranium enrichment
Under a central stipulation of the agreement, American companies could construct a uranium enrichment facility within Saudi Arabia if a joint US-Saudi study validates the technical and economic requirement.
Administration officials told the WSJ that maintaining direct American involvement in the enrichment infrastructure gives Washington critical influence over the program, creating operational safeguards to prevent the technology from being diverted for military purposes.
Signing, congressional review
The approval comes after Energy Secretary Chris Wright laid the groundwork for the framework during his initial regional visit to the Middle East in April 2025.
Secretary Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman are expected to officially sign the accord.
Following the formal signature, the Trump administration plans to submit the accord to Congress for statutory review.
The pact is anticipated to trigger intense debate on Capitol Hill among lawmakers cautious about the proliferation of nuclear capabilities across the region.
