US and Saudi Arabia Near Unprecedented Nuclear Deal Allowing Uranium Enrichment

The Trump administration has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with Saudi Arabia to allow the kingdom to enrich uranium on its soil as part of a civilian nuclear program. According to a CNN report, the draft deal, which awaits President Donald Trump's signature, would permit Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear technology without the stringent international oversight typically required to prevent weapons development.

Negotiations concluded in October 2025, but the agreement's finalization has been delayed due to anticipated bipartisan opposition in the US Congress, which must approve the deal. The ongoing conflict with Iran has also contributed to the postponement. The agreement would enable Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and reprocess plutonium, two key pathways to producing fissile material for nuclear weapons, raising concerns in Washington about potential nuclear proliferation.

Unlike most countries with civilian nuclear programs that rely on international suppliers and strict monitoring, Saudi Arabia would not be obligated to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) standard safeguards protocol. Instead, oversight would be limited to bilateral arrangements between the US and Saudi Arabia. The deal does not clarify whether Riyadh would gain access to sensitive nuclear technologies or materials.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has long pursued a domestic nuclear program and previously warned that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would seek to do the same. The US administration briefed Congress earlier this year on the proposed framework, which has sparked debate over the risks of enabling Saudi uranium enrichment without robust international controls.