The administration of US President Donald Trump has reached a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking a significant departure from long-standing American policy toward the Gulf kingdom.
For decades, successive US governments linked access to American nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia’s willingness to establish diplomatic ties with Israel.
Under the new arrangement, however, Washington has approved nuclear cooperation without requiring Riyadh to normalise relations with the Jewish state.
The decision has generated criticism from lawmakers and security analysts who fear the agreement could encourage nuclear competition across the Middle East.
Others view it as a strategic move aimed at limiting China’s influence in the region while strengthening US partnerships with key Gulf allies.
Analysts say the accord reflects a broader shift in the Trump administration’s foreign policy, which has increasingly prioritised economic and strategic interests over traditional diplomatic objectives, including efforts to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Yusuf Can, a Middle East analyst at Amena Strategies, said regional governments are determined to develop civilian nuclear capabilities regardless of whether the United States participates.
According to him, Washington’s decision demonstrates its preference for remaining the region’s leading technology partner rather than allowing competitors such as China to fill that role.
The agreement is also viewed as a diplomatic success for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has long sought American support for the kingdom’s nuclear ambitions.
The crown prince previously warned that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran successfully acquired them.
Although the full details of the agreement have not been made public, reports suggest it does not contain the stringent safeguards included in previous US nuclear accords.
Unlike the 2009 cooperation agreement between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi arrangement is reportedly less restrictive and could permit uranium enrichment within Saudi territory.
Experts argue that while the kingdom is unlikely to seek nuclear weapons in the immediate future, the technology and expertise gained through the programme could strengthen its long-term strategic position.
Imran Bayoumi, a former adviser at the US Department of Defense and now a fellow at the Atlantic Council, said the framework could provide the foundation for future military nuclear capabilities.
Energy specialists, however, emphasise that the project is designed primarily to expand Saudi Arabia’s electricity supply and reduce dependence on crude oil exports.
They note that nuclear power offers a more stable source of energy, particularly during periods of disruption to global oil markets.
Christopher Russo of Charles River Associates said nuclear facilities are less vulnerable to supply interruptions that can affect oil production and shipping routes.
Despite the anticipated benefits, analysts say Saudi Arabia is unlikely to generate electricity from nuclear plants for at least another decade because of the lengthy construction and regulatory process.
Politically, the agreement strengthens Riyadh’s regional standing while allowing it to preserve its position on Israel.
Saudi Arabia has continued to insist that any future normalisation of relations must be accompanied by progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Observers believe the Trump administration accepted this condition after concluding that a Saudi-Israeli diplomatic breakthrough remains unlikely following the Gaza conflict and subsequent hostilities involving Iran.
The timing of the announcement has also attracted attention.
Although US officials did not explain why the agreement was finalised now, analysts believe the ongoing confrontation with Iran influenced Washington’s decision to reinforce ties with Gulf partners.
American companies are also expected to benefit through future contracts to design and build nuclear infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, creating commercial opportunities for US firms involved in reactor technology.
The agreement has nevertheless faced strong opposition in both Israel and the United States.
Israeli politicians warned that the programme could accelerate a regional nuclear build-up, while Democratic lawmakers argued the arrangement risks increasing instability and emboldening Iran.
California Congressman Ro Khanna criticised the deal, describing it as an unnecessary concession that could heighten tensions across the Middle East.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the agreement, saying it would support American economic interests, enhance national security and adhere to internationally recognised nuclear safety and non-proliferation standards.
However, the administration has yet to publish the complete terms of the accord, leaving questions about its safeguards unanswered.
President Trump was also absent from the official signing ceremony, instead attending a military ceremony honouring four American service members killed during operations involving Iran before addressing supporters at a political rally in Georgia, where he maintained that his administration’s policies were bringing greater stability to the Middle East.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong