United States President Donald Trump has approved a landmark 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme under U.S. partnership and oversight.

According to U.S. media reports, the multibillion-dollar deal would grant American companies a leading role in building Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure, including the potential construction of a uranium enrichment facility if a joint U.S.-Saudi assessment determines that such a project is justified.

The Trump administration maintains that the agreement would allow Washington to retain significant influence over Saudi Arabia's nuclear programme while ensuring that the technology is used solely for peaceful purposes and not diverted for military applications.

The proposed agreement is expected to be submitted to the U.S. Congress for review in the coming days, where it is likely to face scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about the spread of sensitive nuclear technology in the politically volatile Middle East.

Reports by The New York Times indicate that the administration made key concessions during negotiations, including provisions that could limit international inspectors' access to certain facilities where there are suspicions that nuclear materials might be diverted for weapons-related activities.

Negotiations on nuclear cooperation between Washington and Riyadh have been underway for several years.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright held discussions on the proposed partnership during a visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2025, amid growing speculation over a new energy agreement.

The nuclear talks were previously linked to broader U.S. efforts to broker the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, with American support for Riyadh's civilian nuclear ambitions and enhanced security cooperation forming part of the discussions.

However, the normalisation process stalled following the outbreak of the Gaza war in late 2023.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has repeatedly affirmed the kingdom's commitment to developing a civilian nuclear programme.

In a 2018 interview, he warned that Saudi Arabia would seek nuclear weapons "as soon as possible" if Iran were to acquire them.

Saudi Arabia and Iran remain strategic rivals despite restoring diplomatic relations in 2023 under a China-brokered agreement.

Their longstanding competition for regional influence continues to shape security dynamics across the Middle East, contributing to concerns surrounding the expansion of nuclear technology in the region.