The administration tentatively agrees to let Saudi Arabia enrich uranium domestically under a new civilian nuclear accord awaiting President Trump's signature.

The administration announced a tentative agreement to allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium on its own soil as part of a civilian nuclear program. This draft accord, which concluded negotiations in October 2025, is currently awaiting the signature of President Trump. Unlike many other nations that import enriched material, the kingdom will be permitted to produce its own, a move described by sources as unprecedented for such a deal. The agreement bypasses the International Atomic Energy Agency’s "Additional Protocol," opting instead for a bilateral oversight arrangement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. While this provides flexibility, some experts warn it may limit the agency's ability to inspect undeclared sites. The administration is reportedly delaying the final signature due to the ongoing war with Iran and the potential for a bipartisan disapproval resolution in Congress. Proponents argue the deal creates a lucrative commercial market for American nuclear technology, while critics caution that it sets a precedent for "bespoke" safeguards that could be exploited by global rivals like Russia and China.

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