Saudi Arabia and U.S. strike deal on nuclear program

Saudi Arabia will be allowed to develop a civilian nuclear program with the help of U.S. companies under a landmark agreement expected to be announced today.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given formal approval to the 30-year agreement, which is expected to be worth tens of billions for American firms while shutting out Russian and Chinese competitors, The Wall Street Journal reported. Westinghouse, which manufactures the AP1000 reactor, is expected to be a major beneficiary.

While the accord is aimed at strengthening Saudi-U.S. relations amid the Iran conflict, some U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials have expressed opposition amid concerns the kingdom could use a civilian program to eventually develop nuclear weapons.

Trump’s agreement with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman includes only limited inspections of nuclear sites and allows a pathway for Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium or reprocess plutonium on its own soil.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Saudi Arabia shortly before Trump’s 2025 visit for discussions around building out the country’s nuclear power industry.