US President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, enabling the kingdom to expand its nuclear energy programme and potentially enrich uranium domestically. The proposed 30-year deal, reportedly worth tens of billions of dollars, now heads to Congress for review.

Unlike previous negotiations under the Biden administration, the Trump administration removed the requirement that Saudi Arabia first normalise diplomatic relations with Israel before securing American nuclear cooperation. The agreement would give US companies a leading role in constructing Saudi nuclear infrastructure while largely excluding foreign competitors.

A key provision allows uranium enrichment facilities if a joint US-Saudi technical study deems them necessary. Administration officials argue American involvement provides stronger oversight than if Riyadh sought technology elsewhere. However, lawmakers have raised proliferation concerns about enrichment capabilities in a volatile region.

The deal underscores Trump's broader effort to deepen strategic ties with Saudi Arabia while maintaining US influence over its technological development. By securing a central role for American firms, Washington aims to reinforce its geopolitical partnership amid regional tensions involving Iran.