Nuclear deal that would permit uranium enrichment by Saudi Arabia in limbo awaiting Trump admin sign-off
Saudi Arabia Nuclear Enrichment Deal Awaits Trump Approval
Presidential Review Underway
Nuclear deal that would permit uranium – The nuclear deal that would permit Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium remains in limbo, pending final sign-off from the Trump administration. According to multiple sources with knowledge of the negotiations and documents examined by CNN, the administration has provisionally consented to allow Riyadh to enrich uranium without implementing the international safeguards typically designed to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation. The draft agreement, which establishes American backing for Saudi civilian nuclear initiatives, is still awaiting President Donald Trump’s final approval even though bilateral discussions between the United States and Saudi Arabia concluded in October 2025.
Two individuals acquainted with the situation revealed that the continuing military conflict with Iran has contributed to the postponement of Trump’s signature. The president has stated that this war was initiated, at least in part, to stop Tehran from utilizing its enriched uranium for constructing nuclear armaments. Additionally, certain members of Congress are thought to believe that the administration is holding off on approval due to concerns about a bipartisan resolution that could prevent the agreements from taking effect.
Regional Security Considerations
Nuclear experts who spoke with CNN cautioned that the proposed arrangement might open a pathway for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons if comprehensive safeguards are not established. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously warned that he would pursue nuclear capabilities for his nation if Iran, the kingdom’s primary regional competitor, successfully acquires nuclear weapons.
Four sources indicated that the comprehensive agreement, comprising both a civil nuclear cooperation arrangement referred to as a 123 agreement and a compulsory nuclear safeguards accord, has yet to be transmitted to Congress for legislative review, as federal statutes mandate the White House accomplish this task following presidential signature.
An Unprecedented Framework
The White House declined to address inquiries about the agreements and directed CNN toward an October 2025 announcement from Energy Secretary Chris Wright declaring the conclusion of negotiations. In his statement, Wright remarked:
“We’ve come together on a deal for civil nuclear cooperation. Together, with bilateral safeguard agreements, we want to grow our partnership, bring American nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia and keep a firm commitment to nonproliferation.”
The Saudi Arabian Embassy located in Washington, DC failed to provide a response when asked for comment. Earlier this year, the Trump administration provided briefings to certain members of Congress regarding the fundamental framework of the Saudi nuclear accords. At that time, the arrangement was characterized as containing a distinctive provision permitting a level of domestic uranium enrichment and/or plutonium reprocessing, according to one source familiar with the discussions. This source described such an arrangement as “unprecedented” for this type of agreement.
Safeguards and International Oversight
The uranium enrichment component of the deal includes conditions established by the United States, though two sources told CNN that specifics regarding potential restrictions remain uncertain. The 123 agreement likewise does not serve as the definitive determination regarding whether Saudi Arabia receives sensitive technologies and materials. Rather, it functions as a foundational legal structure enabling American corporations or government entities to transfer nuclear substances and technology to the recipient nation’s civilian nuclear infrastructure. Such transfers remain subject to supplementary examination.
Uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing represent the two primary methods for producing the essential materials required for nuclear weapons construction. The majority of nations operating civilian nuclear reactors that require enriched uranium do not generate it within their own borders; instead, they acquire the material from suppliers such as the United States or Russia and receive it in sealed containers under rigorous international oversight.
However, the draft agreement similarly does not obligate Saudi Arabia to implement a standard enhanced nuclear safeguards arrangement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, commonly called the Additional Protocol, according to a waiver presented to Congress last year by the administration and a May State Department correspondence to legislators, both examined by CNN. Instead, the safeguards arrangement will operate exclusively between the United States and the kingdom.
The IAEA serves as the United Nations’ nuclear monitoring organization, responsible for preventing unauthorized nuclear weapons development worldwide.
