US Eases Nuclear Safeguards in Saudi Pact

U.S. President Donald Trump has informed Congress that his administration is pursuing a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that does not include certain non-proliferation safeguards Washington has historically required to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, according to a document reviewed by Reuters.

What the Proposed Deal Contains

The draft pact, known as a 123 Agreement, would position U.S. industry at the center of Saudi Arabia’s planned civil nuclear energy program. Such agreements are required under U.S. law for nuclear cooperation with foreign governments.

While the document states that safeguards would remain in place, it refers to “additional safeguards and verification measures” in sensitive areas, including uranium enrichment and fuel reprocessing — activities that can be used for civilian energy but also provide pathways to nuclear weapons.

Previous U.S. administrations, both Republican and Democratic, had insisted that Saudi Arabia forgo domestic enrichment and reprocessing capabilities. Arms control groups and lawmakers from both parties — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his time in the Senate — have long supported those restrictions.

Congressional Oversight and Timeline

The administration submitted an initial report to congressional leaders in November, as required if it is not pursuing the so-called Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Additional Protocol grants the U.N. watchdog broader inspection authority, including snap inspections at undeclared sites.

The Arms Control Association warned that the report raises questions about whether proliferation risks have been fully assessed and urged Congress to scrutinize the agreement’s terms.

Under U.S. law, once the administration formally submits the 123 Agreement — potentially as soon as February 22 — Congress will have 90 days to block it. Unless both the Senate and the House of Representatives pass resolutions of disapproval, the agreement would automatically enter into force.

Broader Security Context

The development comes at a moment of heightened global nuclear tensions. The expiration of the last strategic arms limitation treaty between the United States and Russia earlier this month has fueled fears of a renewed nuclear arms race. China is also expanding its nuclear arsenal.

In the Middle East, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that the kingdom would seek nuclear weapons if Iran developed one. “If they get one, we have to get one,” he said in a 2023 interview, framing such a move as a matter of regional balance.

What This Opens the Door To

If the agreement proceeds without strict limits on enrichment and reprocessing:

• Saudi Arabia could develop domestic uranium enrichment capabilities, bringing it technically closer to weapons-grade material production.
• A regional nuclear cascade could intensify, particularly if Iran advances its own program.
• Global non-proliferation norms could weaken, as other countries may seek similar terms in future agreements.
• Congressional authority over nuclear cooperation policy could be tested, depending on whether lawmakers attempt to block the pact.

While the deal is framed as a civilian energy partnership, critics argue that removing established guardrails may create long-term strategic risks that extend well beyond Saudi Arabia.