US to Announce Civil Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia Amid Renewed Regional Tensions

The United States government is reportedly set to announce a deal with Saudi Arabia that will grant the kingdom a civil nuclear programme. The announcement is expected on Wednesday local time, amid renewed fighting between the oil-rich Gulf nation and Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Citing two unnamed US officials, the New York Times reported that the Trump administration plans to formally sign and announce the agreement. The 30-year deal would provide billions of dollars to the US nuclear industry and could require American companies to build uranium enrichment facilities in Saudi Arabia if a joint study deems it necessary, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, several US lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials have voiced opposition to a civil nuclear project for Saudi Arabia, fearing it could eventually be converted to develop nuclear weapons. The agreement is expected to be submitted to Congress in the coming days, though congressional approval is not required for it to be enacted. The development comes as conflict reignites between the United States and Iran, with Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen threatening to expand the war this week. The Houthis have announced they will blockade Saudi ports. Saudi Arabia and the Houthis exchanged fire last week for the first time in several years, threatening a ceasefire that has been in place since 2022.