Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman chairs Saudi Aramco's board, shapes energy policy, and has long guided Saudi diplomacy and modernization. In the news for a US-Saudi nuclear deal and regional energy questions, his role remains central to Riyadh’s strategic choices.
The United Arab Emirates has announced it has withdrawn from OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance effective May 1, saying a review of its production policy and expanded domestic capacity require greater national control. The move removes a major spare-capacity holder and will weaken OPEC's ability to stabilise global oil supply when Gulf shipping resumes.
Ukraine has struck multiple oil facilities and fuel depots across southwestern Russia, expanding its long-range drone campaign. Reports indicate large fires and evacuations, with officials citing damage to civilian infrastructure and an IAEA-monitored situation at Zaporizhzhia. Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange strikes as both sides argue over targets and consequences.
Ukraine has used long-range drones to hit strategic targets deep inside Russia this week, striking St Petersburg's oil terminal, the Kronstadt naval base and supply lines to occupied Crimea. Russian authorities have reported hundreds of intercepted drones, governors have ordered residents to shelter indoors, and Crimea is facing severe fuel shortages that are disrupting travel and tourism.
The United States has signed a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that would let US firms help build the kingdom's nuclear industry and could allow uranium enrichment on Saudi soil after a joint study. The deal will be sent to Congress for review and is drawing criticism for lacking strict non‑proliferation safeguards.
The US Department of Energy has signed a 123 nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, along with a bilateral safeguards pact. The deals, described as historic by officials, aim to expand US nuclear technology exports, create jobs, and strengthen security, while facing potential congressional scrutiny over safeguards and enrichment implications.