The Middle East is bracing itself for heightened tensions as the United States seals a significant nuclear technology deal with Saudi Arabia. The landmark agreement, which could eventually permit Riyadh to enrich uranium, has been approved by Washington and will now be subject to review by Congress – where opposition from lawmakers concerned about the efficacy of monitoring safeguards is anticipated.
Negotiations for the deal have spanned multiple US administrations, fuelled by fears that Saudi Arabia might seek nuclear technology from other nations if a pact with the US was not forthcoming. Riyadh has previously signalled its willingness to partner with countries like China or Russia, which operate under different non-proliferation standards, should a deal with Washington not materialise.
The development comes as tensions in the region escalate further, with the US military conducting its 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran. The operations now extend to western and central areas of the country, targeting military facilities, including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage sites, coastal surveillance posts, and air defence assets. The five-hour attacks have sent shockwaves through global markets.
Adding to the regional instability, Yemen's Houthi militia – an Iran-aligned group – announced on Thursday that it had attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers. A Saudi news agency later confirmed that one of the vessels was ablaze in the Red Sea, a critical international shipping lane that links Europe and Asia.
In Washington, House Republicans have agreed to draft a $95 billion bill to fund the ongoing conflict with Iran and provide new aid to farmers. The Trump administration had previously requested approximately $88 billion in supplemental funding, with a significant portion – up to $67.1 billion – earmarked for war expenses. The conflict has so far cost the US an estimated $37.5 billion, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.