Trump Administration Reportedly Approves Uranium Enrichment in Saudi Arabia Without Stringent International Safeguards

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a CNN report, citing informed sources and leaked documents, reveals that the administration of President Donald Trump has given preliminary consent for Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium on its soil. This approach could exempt Riyadh from implementing certain strengthened international guarantees designed to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.

The draft agreement, which outlines Washington’s support for Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program, is still awaiting final signature from President Trump, despite negotiations between the two sides concluding in October 2025. Federal laws require the White House to submit such agreements to Congress for review after signing.

The proposed deal includes both a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a “123 Agreement,” and a binding accord on nuclear safeguards. However, it has not yet been enacted as the U.S. President has not signed it, nor has it been sent to the U.S. Congress. CNN reported that the White House declined to comment on the specifics of the agreement, referring only to a statement from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in October 2025, which mentioned reaching an agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation while upholding non-proliferation commitments.

A source familiar with the matter told CNN that the Trump administration had briefed some members of Congress on the framework of this agreement earlier this year. The deal includes special arrangements that would allow Riyadh to conduct uranium enrichment or plutonium reprocessing within Saudi Arabia. This source, who remained anonymous, described the move as “unprecedented” compared to previous U.S. nuclear agreements.

Two other sources indicated to CNN that while the uranium enrichment clause includes conditions imposed by the United States, the precise details of any potential limitations on Riyadh remain unclear. CNN also noted that a “123 Agreement” itself does not automatically transfer sensitive nuclear technology or materials to Saudi Arabia. Instead, it provides the initial legal framework for U.S. companies or the government to transfer nuclear materials and technology for a country’s civilian nuclear program.

Any actual transfer of nuclear materials or technology in the future would be subject to separate reviews and approvals before implementation. The report highlights significant concerns, stating that uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing are key pathways to producing fissile materials required for nuclear weapons. Most countries with civilian nuclear reactors require enriched uranium but do not produce it domestically, instead importing it from suppliers like the U.S. or Russia under strict international oversight.

Crucially, the draft agreement would not obligate Saudi Arabia to adopt and implement the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) “Additional Protocol,” which grants the agency broader inspection and verification powers. This potential exemption is reportedly based on a legislative submission by the Trump administration to Congress last year and a letter from the U.S. State Department to lawmakers in May, which CNN has seen. Under this arrangement, the safeguards outlined in the agreement would be confined to a bilateral understanding between Washington and Riyadh, rather than relying on the IAEA’s Additional Protocol.

CNN concluded its report by emphasizing that these measures—allowing Saudi Arabia a degree of domestic uranium enrichment and not requiring adherence to the Additional Protocol—distinguish this proposed agreement from all prior U.S. civilian nuclear cooperation agreements with other nations.