Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Saudis Reach Deal With U.S. That Could Let Them Enrich Nuclear Fuel

THE NEW YORK TIMES: U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials have expressed opposition to such a plan, to be announced Wednesday, fearing that the kingdom could use a civilian nuclear project to develop nuclear weapons.

This screenshot is from this NYT article. | President Trump shaking hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud at the White House last November. Credit: Kenny Holston/The New York Times

The Trump administration plans to announce Wednesday that it has reached a broad nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that could lead to the country enriching its own fuel for nuclear reactors, U.S. officials said.

The accord is intended to further bind the United States with the Saudi government as the war with Iran strains the relationship. The Trump administration, according to officials, estimates it will provide billions of dollars for the U.S. nuclear industry — starting with Westinghouse, which designs many of the reactors sold abroad.

The Trump administration plans to formally sign and announce the agreement with the Saudis on Wednesday, said two U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy. It would announce the details to Congress soon afterward.

Although the agreement likely would have support among many Republicans, some U.S. lawmakers from both parties along with Israeli officials have expressed opposition to such a plan, fearing that the kingdom could use a civilian nuclear project to eventually develop nuclear weapons. » | David E. Sanger, Edward Wong and William J. Broad | David Sanger reported from Washington, Edward Wong from Manila, where he is covering a diplomatic trip by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and William J. Broad from New York. | Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Clearly, Trump has a soft spot for the Saudis! He’s gone to war with the Iranians for the very same thing. Why the double standards? If anything is going to turbocharge this war with Iran, this will! How unwise and foolish can a president be? — © Mark Alexander