Trump Administration to Send Saudi Nuclear Deal to Congress Without Key Safeguards

The Trump administration is preparing to submit a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress that omits long-standing safeguards meant to prevent nuclear materials from being diverted toward weapons development, according to people familiar with the matter.

What the Agreement Covers

The pact, formally known as a 123 Agreement under U.S. law, would allow American companies and government entities to help Saudi Arabia build a civilian nuclear power industry. It is expected to be signed by the U.S. energy secretary and Saudi Arabia’s energy minister, following a preliminary agreement reached last year.

Missing Safeguards Raise Concerns

Unlike similar past agreements, this version does not include restrictions preventing Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, both of which could potentially be used toward weapons development. It also excludes a protocol that would give international inspectors broader authority to conduct unannounced inspections at undeclared nuclear sites.

Political and Regional Context

Saudi officials have previously stated they would pursue nuclear weapons capability if Iran developed one, a stance that has fueled unease among arms control advocates and some lawmakers. Other nations, including the UAE, previously accepted stricter nonproliferation terms when signing similar agreements with Washington.

What Happens Next

Once submitted, Congress will have roughly 90 days to review and potentially object to the agreement. Blocking it would require a joint resolution supported by a two-thirds majority to override a presidential veto, a high bar that leaves the agreement likely to move forward unless significant bipartisan opposition emerges.