Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal for Congress review

President Donald Trump has approved a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, and the administration plans to submit the pact to Congress within days, according to a Reuters report. The submission comes despite bipartisan concerns that the deal lacks key nonproliferation safeguards, potentially opening the door to nuclear weapons development in the volatile Middle East.

The Deal and Its Path to Congress

The agreement, formally known as a 123 Agreement under the Atomic Energy Act, would allow the United States to share nuclear technology and fuel with Saudi Arabia for civilian energy projects. The Trump administration has prioritized the deal as part of a broader strategic partnership with the kingdom, including energy cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. The submission to Congress triggers a 90-day review period during which lawmakers can approve, reject, or amend the pact. The administration's move follows a high-profile meeting between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on November 18, 2025, where the two leaders discussed bilateral issues. Reuters reported that the pact is now ready for congressional scrutiny, marking a critical step in U.S.-Saudi nuclear collaboration.

Missing Safeguards Raise Red Flags

Critics in Congress and among nonproliferation experts have warned that the proposed agreement does not include stringent measures to prevent Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel—activities that could be used to produce weapons-grade material. Standard U.S. 123 agreements typically require partner nations to forgo enrichment and reprocessing, but Saudi officials have previously insisted on retaining these rights to achieve energy independence and technological autonomy. The reported absence of such safeguards has alarmed lawmakers from both parties, who fear that a loophole could enable the kingdom to develop nuclear weapons capabilities, especially given its rivalry with Iran. The Biden administration, which previously negotiated a stricter framework, has been sidelined during this process. The White House has not commented on the specific concerns, but the submission timeline suggests the administration is pressing forward despite the objections.

Implications for the Middle East and Global Nonproliferation

The approval of a Saudi nuclear deal without robust safeguards could have far-reaching consequences. It may undermine the global nonproliferation regime, as other nations in the region, such as the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, might seek similar concessions. Moreover, it could escalate tensions with Iran, which maintains its own enrichment program and has accused the U.S. of double standards. Experts argue that such a deal could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, a region already fraught with conflict. The timing is particularly sensitive given the ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain Iran's nuclear ambitions. The administration, however, views the pact as a way to deepen the U.S.-Saudi alliance and counter Chinese and Russian influence in the kingdom's energy sector. Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in building up to 16 nuclear reactors, and U.S. companies stand to win lucrative contracts if the deal proceeds.

What Happens Next

Congress now has the opportunity to shape the outcome. Lawmakers can block the agreement by passing a joint resolution of disapproval within the 90-day review window. Alternatively, they may impose additional conditions, such as requiring Saudi Arabia to adopt the 'gold standard' of forgoing enrichment and reprocessing. The administration's decision to submit the pact in the final months of Trump's tenure adds political urgency, as a new administration could reverse course. The coming weeks will test whether Congress prioritizes nonproliferation or commercial and strategic interests. With bipartisan concerns already voiced, the deal faces an uncertain future. The world watches as the United States navigates the delicate balance between advancing nuclear energy cooperation and preventing the spread of weapons capabilities.