President Donald Trump has proposed a new approach to curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions by offering cooperation with Saudi Arabia on a civilian nuclear program, a move that could eventually permit Riyadh to enrich uranium. The plan, intended to establish a regional balance of power and deter Iran’s influence, has sparked concerns about increased instability across the Middle East.
The initiative was outlined by Trump on social media, emphasizing that the cooperation would be limited to non-military uses of nuclear technology and contingent upon Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. These accords are agreements between Israel and several Arab states aimed at normalizing diplomatic relations and countering perceived threats from Iran. The United Arab Emirates, a member of the accords, already operates nuclear reactors with U.S. support but is restricted from uranium enrichment and fuel reprocessing, activities that can potentially lead to nuclear weapons development.
Saudi Arabia has yet to formally join the Abraham Accords, largely due to its insistence on Israel recognizing full Palestinian statehood. Riyadh’s position, along with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s focus on the future governance of Gaza, suggests that Saudi Arabia’s alignment within this framework remains uncertain. The outcome of Israel’s upcoming general elections in October could influence Riyadh’s decision.
Experts and regional observers view Trump’s proposal with skepticism. While the U.S. aims to create an “Arab wall of deterrence” against Iran, enabling Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium—even for civilian purposes—might inadvertently trigger a wider nuclear arms race in the region. This could draw in external powers such as Russia, China, and Pakistan, complicating the geopolitical environment.
Moreover, the potential for a two-tier system among Gulf states—where some, like the UAE, adhere to strict non-enrichment commitments while Saudi Arabia might acquire broader nuclear capabilities—raises concerns about the coherence of any regional containment strategy toward Iran. Israel, which maintains an undeclared nuclear arsenal, reportedly feels sidelined in the Saudi negotiations. While some Israeli officials have expressed cautious support, there are fears that a Saudi nuclear program could prompt Iran to accelerate its own nuclear development rather than deter it.
The plan’s implications extend beyond immediate regional tensions, touching on the broader global norm of nuclear non-proliferation. Historically regarded as a cornerstone of international security and a marker of responsible state behavior, the non-proliferation framework appears to be at risk of erosion amid shifting tactical interests in the Middle East. Critics warn that sacrificing long-term arms control goals for short-term strategic gains could undermine established efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.