Trump Approves Nuclear Deal Enabling Saudi Uranium Enrichment
President Trump formally approved a landmark 30-year nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that grants the kingdom a civilian nuclear program and potentially permits uranium enrichment on Saudi territory, according to administration officials. The deal, valued at tens of billions of dollars, is structured to secure dominant market access for American companies while excluding foreign competitors from Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure development.
The agreement advances Trump's stated goal of deepening U.S. ties with Saudi Arabia and securing its alignment with American geopolitical interests in the Middle East. Trump previously met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House to advance the nuclear partnership, which represents a significant expansion of bilateral cooperation on defense and energy matters.
The nuclear arrangement contradicts nonproliferation safeguards by enabling uranium enrichment capabilities within a region already marked by volatile power dynamics and unresolved security tensions. Granting such advanced nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia without rigorous international oversight mechanisms creates direct pathways for nuclear weapons development in a strategically unstable area, particularly given the kingdom's pattern of aggressive regional military interventions and documented human rights abuses under bin Salman's rule.
The deal financially benefits American nuclear and defense contractors substantially while transferring critical security risks to the international community. Trump's approval prioritizes corporate profit over global nuclear security standards, following his administration's pattern of dismantling institutional guardrails to benefit allied autocrats and domestic industries.
Trump's commercial relationship with Saudi interests dates back to the 1980s, when a Saudi prince purchased his superyacht and the Plaza Hotel. In the years following his first term, the Trump family secured numerous lucrative commercial ties. Notable connections include:
- Real Estate and Licensing: The Trump Organization entered into major brand licensing and development deals for projects in Saudi Arabia, including luxury towers in Riyadh and a $1 billion "Trump Plaza" project in Jeddah.
- Kushner's Private Equity: Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior advisor, established a private equity firm, Affinity Partners, which secured approximately $2 billion in capital commitments from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
- LIV Golf: Trump’s golf courses have hosted several high-profile tournaments backed by LIV Golf, which is funded by the Saudi government's sovereign wealth fund, pouring millions into his properties.