Trump Tentatively Backs Saudi Uranium Enrichment Deal Without 1 Key IAEA Safeguard
Updated
Updated · APA · Jul 19
Trump Tentatively Backs Saudi Uranium Enrichment Deal Without 1 Key IAEA Safeguard
3 articles · Updated · APA · Jul 19
Summary
A draft US-Saudi nuclear accord awaiting Donald Trump’s signature would let Saudi Arabia enrich uranium while skipping the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, a standard enhanced safeguard against covert weapons work.
The package includes a 123 civil nuclear cooperation agreement and a separate bilateral safeguards deal, but neither has been signed or sent to Congress, despite negotiations ending in October 2025.
Sources said the Iran war and fears of a bipartisan congressional disapproval resolution have helped delay sign-off on an arrangement some lawmakers were told would allow unprecedented domestic enrichment or reprocessing.
Critics say the terms fall short of the 2009 UAE “gold standard,” which barred enrichment and accepted stronger IAEA oversight, though supporters argue US involvement could curb Saudi reliance on Russia or China.
Is the new US-Saudi nuclear deal dismantling decades of global nonproliferation efforts?
Will allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium deter Iran or ignite a regional arms race?
US-Saudi Nuclear Deal 2026: Congressional Showdown Over Nonproliferation Standards and Middle East Arms Race Risks
Overview
The proposed nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, initiated during the Trump administration, is under intense debate and awaits a crucial congressional review. The decision hinges on Congress, adherence to nonproliferation standards, and international norms. The process starts with the State Department submitting a Nuclear Proliferation Assessment Statement to Congress, outlining how the deal meets nonproliferation criteria. If the President finds that strict criteria would harm U.S. objectives or defense, the agreement can be exempted, but this requires special congressional approval. The outcome will shape U.S. policy, regional security, and the global nonproliferation regime.