Chicago – July 18, 2026
A proposed civil nuclear agreement that would permit Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium remains in limbo, pending final approval from the Trump administration, according to recent reports.
The draft “123 Agreement” tentatively allows limited domestic uranium enrichment without imposing the strictest international non-proliferation safeguards, including the IAEA Additional Protocol, raising concerns among arms control experts and lawmakers.
The deal, which positions U.S. firms as lead partners in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy program, has been under negotiation for months and was formally notified to Congress in early 2026.
Under U.S. law, the administration has 90 days after notification to submit the final pact, during which Congress can block it by passing opposing resolutions. Critics argue that allowing enrichment capabilities could enable Riyadh to pursue nuclear weapons, especially amid heightened regional tensions with Iran.
While the White House maintains that the agreement reinforces non-proliferation commitments and advances U.S. strategic interests, the absence of a clear prohibition on enrichment marks a departure from past U.S. policy in the Middle East. Final sign-off from President Trump is still pending, leaving the future of the deal uncertain.
