The U.S. government under the Trump administration has tentatively agreed to permit Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium without incorporating the full suite of international safeguards typically designed to prevent nuclear weapons development, according to sources familiar with the matter and reviewed documents.
A draft agreement outlining U.S. support for Riyadh’s civilian nuclear program remains unsigned by President Donald Trump, despite negotiations concluding in October 2025. Insiders suggest the ongoing conflict with Iran—partly framed by Trump as an effort to curb Tehran’s nuclear weapons ambitions—has contributed to the delay in final approval. Additionally, some lawmakers on Capitol Hill reportedly believe the administration is postponing the signature to avoid a possible bipartisan resolution that could block the deal.
Experts have warned that allowing Saudi Arabia to proceed without stringent safeguards could potentially pave the way for the kingdom to develop nuclear weapons. The agreement includes a civil nuclear cooperation deal, often referred to as a 123 agreement, alongside a mandatory nuclear safeguards component. However, four sources indicated that the finalized agreements have yet to be formally submitted to Congress for review, as required by federal law once the documents are signed.
The White House declined to comment directly on the status of the agreements, instead referring to public statements made in October 2025 by Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the conclusion of the negotiations. Wright emphasized the shared goal of expanding the U.S.-Saudi partnership in civil nuclear technology while maintaining a commitment to nonproliferation.
Earlier briefings to select members of Congress revealed that the deal would incorporate a unique provision allowing Saudi Arabia some latitude to enrich uranium domestically and potentially reprocess plutonium. A source familiar with the discussions described this arrangement as “unprecedented” for a nuclear cooperation agreement of this nature. Although the uranium enrichment measures reportedly include some U.S.-imposed conditions, specifics regarding restrictions remain unclear. Furthermore, the 123 agreement does not exclusively determine Riyadh’s access to sensitive nuclear technology or materials.
Attempts to obtain comment from the Saudi Arabian embassy in Washington were unsuccessful. The evolving nature of the agreement and its departure from standard nonproliferation frameworks have raised concerns among experts and lawmakers about future regional nuclear dynamics.