The US and Saudi Arabia have agreed a landmark 30-year deal to establish a civilian nuclear program using American technology, aiming to meet the kingdom's energy needs and free up more oil for export under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic plan. The agreement, worth tens of billions of dollars, continues a Biden-era initiative but proceeds without the previously required normalization with Israel.

The deal reportedly paves the way for a domestic uranium enrichment facility, contingent on a two-year joint US-Saudi study. While the Trump administration asserts oversight of enriched uranium and spent fuel, critics note the agreement lacks the "gold standard" safeguards — such as the IAEA Additional Protocol and a ban on enrichment — that were included in the UAE's nuclear deal.

Nonproliferation experts warn the arrangement could trigger a regional arms race, especially as Saudi Arabia has previously stated it would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does. Senator Chris Murphy cautioned it would "set off a nuclear race in the region." However, blocking the deal would require a congressional joint resolution and a two-thirds majority to override a presidential veto, making rejection unlikely.