Trump Administration Awaits Decision on Saudi Arabia Uranium Enrichment Nuclear Deal

According to CNN on July 18, the Trump administration has preliminarily agreed to allow Saudi Arabia to conduct uranium enrichment activities without implementing international safeguard measures aimed at preventing nuclear weapons development. The nuclear cooperation agreement draft supporting Riyadh's civilian nuclear program remains pending Trump's signature following the conclusion of U.S.-Saudi negotiations in October 2025.

Two sources cited the ongoing conflict with Iran—which Trump has said partly motivated the war to prevent Tehran from using enriched uranium for nuclear weapons—as contributing to Trump's delay in signing. Another source indicated that some on Capitol Hill believe the administration is postponing the signature due to potential two-party opposition that could block the deal.