Proposed US-Saudi nuclear energy deal: What we know so far

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that US President Donald Trump has approved a proposed civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that, according to media reports cited by the outlet, could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium domestically. The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, citing people familiar with the discussions, reported that Trump is expected to send the pact to Congress for review. The reports say the agreement would run for 30 years and could enable US firms, including Westinghouse, to help build Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy sector.

The proposal matters because it would mark a departure from the stricter non-proliferation terms Washington has sought in some past nuclear deals. Saudi Arabia has pursued civilian nuclear power as part of efforts to diversify beyond oil. Under the Biden administration, Al Jazeera said, negotiations had been linked to a broader arrangement involving Saudi recognition of Israel, but those talks stalled after the war in Gaza. The Trump administration later revived discussions without that requirement.

A central concern is uranium enrichment, which can produce reactor fuel but, at much higher levels, can also be used for nuclear weapons. Al Jazeera noted that the United Arab Emirates accepted a 2009 US agreement barring enrichment and reprocessing, often described by experts as a “gold standard.” Reports cited in the article suggest the Saudi proposal may not include those limits or require the IAEA Additional Protocol, which expands inspection powers.

Supporters argue the deal could preserve US influence and commercial leadership in the Gulf while meeting Saudi Arabia’s future electricity needs. Congress can review and attempt to block so-called 123 agreements, though overriding a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority. The proposal is expected to face bipartisan scrutiny over safeguards and regional proliferation risks.