(Trump signs off on landmark Saudi nuclear deal. Photo by TRT World)
A historic nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia has been authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, and it may open the door for uranium enrichment on Saudi territory.
According to U.S. media sources, the Wall Street Journal, quoting government officials, the deal would enable the monarchy construct a civilian nuclear programme.
The multibillion-dollar agreement is supposed to have a length of 30 years, secure a significant role for U.S. corporations in establishing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure and exclude other foreign competitors.
A crucial clause asks for U.S. corporations to develop a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, provided a joint U.S.-Saudi assessment decides that such a move is justified.
The Trump administration reportedly views the partnership as a way to give the United States influence over Saudi Arabia’s nuclear programme while ensuring it is not diverted for military purposes.
According to reports, the agreement, which is to be submitted to Congress in Washington for review in the coming days, is expected to face resistance, as many lawmakers oppose the spread of nuclear technology in the politically volatile Middle East.
Citing government officials, The New York Times reported that Trump had been forced to make compromises to reach the deal, including agreeing to conditions that could potentially limit international inspectors’ access to certain sites, particularly those where nuclear fuel could be suspected of being diverted for weapons purposes.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright had already held talks on such a deal during a visit to the region in April 2025, at a time when speculation was already building around a possible new energy agreement between the two countries that could pave the way for a nuclear programme in Saudi Arabia.
The US had previously held talks with Saudi Arabia on the possible normalisation of relations with Israel, with support for Riyadh’s nuclear ambitions and a potential new security agreement discussed as part of that process. However, the Saudi-Israeli normalisation track was frozen following the outbreak of the Gaza war at the end of 2023.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, has continued to express strong interest in developing a civilian nuclear programme.
In a 2018 interview with an American broadcaster, he indicated that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear we@pons as soon as possible should Iran acquire them.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have long competed for regional influence, and although the two countries restored diplomatic ties in 2023 under a Chinese-brokered agreement, deep mistrust remains after decades of geopolitical rivalry shaped largely by the Sunni-Shia divide.
