US President Donald Trump has approved a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for American companies to play a leading role in the kingdom’s expanding nuclear energy programme.
The agreement, to be signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, is designed to deepen strategic ties while reducing Saudi Arabia’s reliance on nuclear technology from Russia and China.
The framework allows American companies to build Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear infrastructure, including nuclear reactors and related technologies. Westinghouse Electric is expected to be among the biggest commercial beneficiaries, with its AP1000 reactor considered a leading candidate for deployment.
Unlike previous US nuclear agreements, the accord allows domestic uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia under specific conditions. Washington and Riyadh will conduct a two-year joint study to determine whether establishing an enrichment facility is economically justified. If approved, the facility would be built by American companies under strict oversight, while sensitive enrichment technology would remain inaccessible to Saudi Arabia.
The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress for review under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, where lawmakers will examine its commercial benefits and long-term security implications. Unless Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval, the agreement will automatically take effect after the review period.
The deal forms part of a broader expansion in US-Saudi strategic cooperation covering investment, defence, artificial intelligence and energy. It also reflects Washington’s efforts to revive the American nuclear industry while strengthening its position in the Middle East amid growing competition from Russia and China.
