Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal that could allow kingdom to enrich uranium
By Saqib S. Qureshi
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has approved a proposed civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy toward one of its closest Middle East allies.
The agreement, which has not yet been formally announced, is expected to be submitted to Congress in the coming days for review. According to people familiar with the matter, the 30-year pact would enable U.S. companies to participate in Saudi Arabia's civil nuclear program and could open the door to the construction of a uranium enrichment facility following a joint U.S.-Saudi feasibility study.
Saudi Arabia has long sought to develop a domestic nuclear energy industry as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, arguing that nuclear power would help meet rising electricity demand while reducing reliance on oil.
The proposal, however, is already drawing criticism from arms control experts and some U.S. lawmakers because it reportedly does not include some of the stricter non-proliferation safeguards that Washington has required in previous nuclear agreements. Critics say allowing uranium enrichment—even for civilian purposes—could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in an already volatile region.
Uranium enrichment is a sensitive part of the nuclear fuel cycle. While low-enriched uranium is commonly used to generate electricity, the same technology can also be adapted to produce weapons-grade material if enriched to much higher levels. That dual-use capability has made enrichment a central issue in international nuclear diplomacy.
The proposed agreement differs from the United States' nuclear cooperation deal with the United Arab Emirates, often referred to as the "gold standard," under which Abu Dhabi agreed not to enrich uranium or reprocess spent nuclear fuel. Saudi Arabia has consistently resisted accepting similar restrictions.
The Trump administration argues that the agreement would strengthen U.S. influence in the Gulf, support American nuclear companies and reduce the likelihood that Riyadh turns to competitors such as China or Russia for nuclear technology.
The proposal also comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions over Iran's nuclear program. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously said that if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, the kingdom would seek one as well—a statement frequently cited by critics of the deal.
Congress is expected to examine the agreement before it can take effect, with lawmakers likely to focus on whether the proposed safeguards are sufficient to prevent the spread of sensitive nuclear technology.
Why it matters
If approved, the agreement would represent one of the most significant U.S.-Saudi strategic deals in years, expanding cooperation in civilian nuclear energy while reopening debate over how Washington balances commercial interests, regional security and global nuclear non-proliferation.
Most Unique Fact
Unlike the U.S.-UAE nuclear agreement—which prohibits domestic uranium enrichment—the proposed Saudi agreement could allow uranium enrichment after a joint feasibility study, making it a notable departure from Washington's previous nuclear cooperation model.