US and Saudi Arabia Approve Nuclear Deal and F-35 Sale in Strategic Shift

In a move with far-reaching geopolitical consequences, the United States and Saudi Arabia have finalized two major agreements: a civilian nuclear cooperation deal and the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets. The approvals signal a deepening of strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh, though analysts warn of potential ripple effects across the Middle East, particularly for Israel and Iran.

The Nuclear Deal: US-Saudi Energy Partnership

The civilian nuclear agreement, years in negotiation, allows Saudi Arabia to develop its nuclear energy infrastructure with US assistance. The deal supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan while including strict safeguards to prevent uranium enrichment or plutonium reprocessing—measures aimed at blocking any military nuclear ambitions.

Saudi Arabia has long sought nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demands and reduce oil dependency. However, concerns persist over regional proliferation risks, especially given Saudi-Iran tensions.

“If Saudi gains nuclear tech, even for peaceful use, it could spur other Middle Eastern nations to follow suit,” warns Dr. Sanjay Singh, a geopolitical analyst.

F-35 Fighter Jet Sale: Boosting Saudi Air Power

The US has also approved the sale of F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, significantly upgrading the Kingdom’s air capabilities. The fifth-generation jets outperform Saudi Arabia’s existing F-15s and Eurofighter Typhoons.

However, the deal faces scrutiny from US lawmakers, particularly those concerned about Israel’s military edge (QME). Reports suggest the sale may include restrictions on F-35 deployments near Israel to ease tensions.

“The Biden administration is walking a tightrope—strengthening Saudi Arabia against Iran while protecting Israel’s interests,” says defense expert Priya Menon.

Regional Fallout: Israel, Iran, and Shifting Power Dynamics

The agreements arrive amid rising Saudi-Iran tensions, with both nations locked in proxy wars across Yemen, Syria, and beyond. The F-35s could deter Iranian aggression, but Tehran has condemned the deals as a “dangerous escalation.”

Israel, which operates its own F-35s, remains cautious. “We trust the US to ensure our security isn’t compromised,” an Israeli defense official said anonymously.

What’s Next for US-Saudi Relations?

These deals mark a renewed US-Saudi partnership after strains under Biden’s early criticism of Saudi human rights issues. With China expanding in the Middle East and global energy markets shifting, Washington aims to reinforce its influence.

As Saudi Arabia advances its nuclear and military modernization, the world watches: Will these deals bring stability or fuel further rivalry? One thing is clear—the Middle East’s power balance is changing.

— Reporting by NextMinuteNews Team