Trump Administration Tentatively Agrees to Saudi Nuclear Enrichment Deal

The administration of Donald Trump has tentatively agreed to a nuclear accord that allows Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and potentially reprocess plutonium for its civilian nuclear program. The deal, which concluded negotiations in October 2025, remains unsigned by the president. Delays are reportedly linked to the ongoing war with Iran and expected bipartisan opposition in Congress, where the agreement could face a disapproval resolution.

The arrangement includes a 123 agreement for nuclear cooperation and a bilateral safeguards deal, but it notably excludes the International Atomic Energy Agency's standard Additional Protocol. This protocol typically provides inspectors with broader access to facilities to detect undeclared activities. By bypassing these enhanced oversight mechanisms, the deal departs from the 2009 U.S.-UAE agreement, which served as the gold standard by requiring the renunciation of enrichment and reprocessing.

Saudi Arabia maintains the program is intended for industrial power and peaceful energy diversification. However, arms-control experts warn that providing Riyadh with enrichment technology similar to that used by Iran could create a latent weapons capability and encourage other regional nations to seek similar rights. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the partnership intends to bring American nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia while maintaining a commitment to nonproliferation.