Saudis Reach Deal With U.S. That Could Let Them Enrich Nuclear Fuel
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-21 22:44:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump Administration Finalizes Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia, Easing Key Restrictions
President Trump has approved a sweeping nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium and reprocess plutonium on its own soil, according to U.S. officials. This move marks a significant departure from previous U.S. policy, which had imposed much stricter nonproliferation conditions on similar deals, notably with the United Arab Emirates.
Key Concessions and Congressional Review
To secure the deal with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Mr. Trump agreed to terms that may restrict international inspectors from accessing certain sites in Saudi Arabia that could be used to divert nuclear fuel for weapons purposes. The agreement also includes provisions that, after a joint economic study, would permit the Saudis to produce their own nuclear fuel—an allowance not granted in the so-called “gold standard” agreement with the UAE.
The Trump administration plans to formally sign and announce the agreement, known as a 123 Agreement, on Wednesday, with details to be sent to Congress soon after. While the deal is expected to face fierce debate, it would likely pass unless Congress can muster a veto-proof majority to override Trump’s initiative.
Separation from Israel Recognition and Secret Side Letters
Unlike previous negotiations under the Biden administration, which tied U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation to Saudi diplomatic recognition of Israel, President Trump separated the nuclear proposal from any such demand. The agreement also includes two secret side letters with the Saudis, which the administration claims contain proprietary business and sensitive national security information. Some lawmakers are demanding these letters be made public before any vote.
Retreat from Nonproliferation Standards
Mr. Trump’s concessions represent a retreat from the restrictions negotiated by the Bush and Obama administrations. The UAE agreement, finalized in 2009, included stringent inspections and a commitment to forgo domestic fuel production, minimizing proliferation risks. In contrast, the new Saudi deal loosens these safeguards, raising concerns among U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials that the kingdom could eventually use its civilian nuclear program to develop nuclear weapons.
Strategic and Regional Implications
The Trump administration estimates the agreement will generate billions for the U.S. nuclear industry, starting with Westinghouse. The deal is also intended to strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties as the ongoing war with Iran strains the relationship. However, the agreement’s relaxed restrictions and secretive elements have sparked bipartisan opposition and heightened fears about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Conclusion
President Trump’s approval of the Saudi nuclear agreement marks a major shift in U.S. nonproliferation policy, easing key restrictions and separating the deal from broader diplomatic goals. As Congress prepares to review the accord, the debate will center on whether these concessions compromise long-standing efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in a volatile region.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/us/politics/trump-saudi-nuclear-deal.html