Recent reports indicate that the Trump administration has tentatively agreed to a deal that would allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium without adhering to the strictest international non-proliferation safeguards. This agreement, which includes a civil nuclear cooperation deal known as a 123 agreement and a nuclear safeguards agreement, has not yet been sent to Congress for review, despite federal law requiring its submission once signed. Negotiations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia concluded in October 2025, but the draft agreement still awaits President Donald Trump's signature.
The proposed deal does not mandate Saudi Arabia to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Additional Protocol, an enhanced safeguards agreement designed for improved international monitoring. Instead, the safeguards would be primarily between the United States and Saudi Arabia. This arrangement differs significantly from the 2009 U.S.-UAE nuclear deal, which is considered the "gold standard" as the UAE accepted enhanced IAEA monitoring and agreed not to enrich uranium or reprocess plutonium. Concerns have been raised by members of Congress and experts regarding the lack of enhanced IAEA oversight, as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that Saudi Arabia would develop its own nuclear weapons if Iran does.
A waiver submitted to Congress in 2025 indicated that the proposed U.S.-Saudi safeguards agreement includes additional protections for sensitive nuclear activities like uranium enrichment, fuel production, and reprocessing. While the waiver reported that the IAEA would still have a role in monitoring Saudi Arabia's nuclear program, specific details were not provided, and the absence of the Additional Protocol has raised flags. The 123 agreement itself establishes the legal framework for transferring nuclear technology and materials for Saudi Arabia's civilian program, but any actual transfers would still necessitate additional approval.
Sources suggest that the ongoing conflict with Iran has contributed to delays in signing the agreement, and there is also concern that the deal could face bipartisan opposition in Congress. If approved as currently drafted, some experts worry the deal could inadvertently provide Saudi Arabia with a pathway to developing nuclear weapons, despite the stated aim of supporting a civilian nuclear program. The agreement is seen by some as a significant geopolitical move, potentially impacting regional stability.
