Trump Opens Nuclear Door for Saudi Arabia! Nuclear Agreement Sent to Congress for Review

The U.S. government has officially submitted a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia to Congress for review. However, President Trump has not abandoned his final-stage political condition, continuing to demand that Saudi Arabia normalize relations with Israel.

According to The Wall Street Journal, when officials in the Trump administration unveiled the 30-year agreement last month, they stated it would allow U.S. companies to play a central role in Saudi Arabia's nuclear infrastructure development, while excluding foreign competitors from participation.

Nevertheless, the agreement has sparked controversy, as it could open the door for Saudi Arabia to conduct uranium enrichment domestically. While Trump administration officials argue that U.S. involvement will ensure Saudi nuclear programs remain peaceful, critics warn this move could encourage the spread of nuclear technology in the volatile Middle East.

The move is expected to trigger months of intense debate in Congress, focusing on how to expand the U.S. nuclear industry while preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.

Under U.S. law, the agreement must be submitted to Congress for review. It was delivered to lawmakers on Monday (the 24th), but Congress would need to pass a joint resolution to block the agreement. If the president vetoes it, overturning the veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Saudi officials argue that the country needs to develop a civilian nuclear industry and utilize its domestic uranium resources to meet growing energy demands. They claim this would free up more oil production for export, thereby increasing national revenue.

Under the agreement, U.S. and Saudi officials will conduct a two-year study to assess the commercial feasibility of U.S. companies building uranium enrichment facilities in Saudi Arabia.

If the study concludes that Saudi Arabia needs indigenous uranium enrichment capabilities, American firms would be responsible for constructing the facilities. However, the agreement prohibits the U.S. from sharing sensitive nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia.

Andrea Stricker, a researcher at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, stated: "Congress should oppose any agreement that opens the door to uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia, even if the facilities are operated by U.S. companies, as it would mark the end of decades of U.S. non-proliferation policy aimed at preventing the spread of sensitive nuclear fuel production technologies."

Moreover, Trump’s demand that Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel adds another obstacle to the agreement’s implementation. Trump announced this condition after the nuclear deal was finalized and signed last month and continues to uphold this stance.

A U.S. government official said, "The president’s position has not changed. This agreement will only move forward if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords."

The Abraham Accords were brokered by the U.S. in 2020 and originally signed by the United States, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

Under the Biden administration, Saudi Arabia had been close to normalizing relations with Israel, with discussions underway for a major agreement that would have included a U.S.-Saudi defense pact and civilian nuclear cooperation.

However, after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023 and Israel launched military operations in Gaza, Saudi Arabia scaled back its engagement.