US Reportedly Grants Preliminary Approval for Saudi Uranium Enrichment

The United States has given preliminary approval for Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, but the draft agreement in its current form does not contain provisions aimed at preventing the development of nuclear weapons, CNN reported, citing documents and sources familiar with the discussions. According to the CNN report, the draft agreement governing US support for Saudi Arabia’s civil nuclear programme is still awaiting signature by President Donald Trump, even though negotiations between the two parties were completed in October 2025. The media outlet explained that the agreement, known as a ‘123 Agreement’ on nuclear cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia, is a framework that regulates the transfer of nuclear material and technology to Riyadh, whether through American companies or the US government. However, the draft agreement has not yet been submitted to the US Congress for review. Several sources told CNN that the delay in approving the agreement has been influenced, among other factors, by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Congressional sources also assessed that the delay is likely due to concerns that US lawmakers could block the deal.