Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal with uranium enrichment potential

President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could eventually permit the kingdom to enrich uranium, according to two people familiar with the decision. The deal, expected to be formally announced as early as Wednesday, would span three decades and involve U.S. companies helping Saudi Arabia develop its nuclear energy infrastructure. A joint U.S.-Saudi study could also pave the way for a uranium enrichment facility on Saudi soil.

Deal details and enrichment clause

The agreement, still subject to final procedural steps, is the culmination of years of diplomatic efforts by both the Trump and Biden administrations to share American nuclear technology with Riyadh. Unlike many U.S. nuclear pacts, this one does not explicitly ban enrichment and reprocessing capabilities, leaving the door open for Saudi Arabia to develop its own fuel cycle. A joint feasibility study on enrichment is included, which non-proliferation experts say could be a step toward weapons-grade material production. The White House has not commented on the decision, first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Non-proliferation concerns

Critics warn that any centrifuges spinning in Saudi Arabia could eventually be used to produce highly enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb. The kingdom has long maintained that its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful, but Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated that Saudi Arabia would seek a nuclear weapon if Iran develops one. This conditional stance, combined with the absence of a strict "gold standard" ban on enrichment, has alarmed arms control advocates. They argue that even a civilian enrichment program could shorten the timeline to a weapon, especially given Saudi Arabia's lack of comprehensive safeguards in a region rife with tensions.

Historical context

Both Trump and former President Joe Biden pursued a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, but negotiations were repeatedly stalled over the enrichment issue. The Biden administration pushed for strict non-proliferation commitments, including a ban on domestic enrichment and reprocessing, which Saudi officials rejected. Trump's approval represents a departure from that stance, prioritizing strategic partnership with Riyadh over non-proliferation norms. The deal is also seen as a counter to Iran's nuclear program, which has advanced in recent years despite international sanctions.

The agreement is likely to face scrutiny from Congress, which has the power to review such deals. Some lawmakers have already expressed concerns about setting a precedent for nuclear cooperation with a country that has a record of human rights abuses and regional aggression. However, supporters argue that the deal will deepen U.S.-Saudi ties and align with Washington's broader strategy of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East.

Implications and next steps

If implemented, the deal could transform the energy landscape in the oil-rich kingdom, providing a carbon-free source of electricity for desalination and industry. But the path to enrichment remains fraught with legal and political hurdles. The joint study is likely to take years, and any actual facility would require additional approvals and inspections. Meanwhile, the move may undermine U.S. efforts to prevent proliferation in other parts of the world, such as the United Arab Emirates, which agreed to forgo enrichment in its own nuclear deal. The international community will be watching closely whether Saudi Arabia adheres to its commitments or uses the technology as a hedge against Iran. The crown prince's earlier remarks ensure that the specter of a Middle Eastern arms race will hover over every step of the program.