Saudi Arabia May Have Uranium Enrichment Under Proposed US Deal

Arms control experts warn of proliferation concerns as Iran-US nuclear standoff continues

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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According to congressional documents and an arms control group, Saudi Arabia could have some form of uranium enrichment within the kingdom under a proposed nuclear deal with the United States. This raises proliferation concerns as the atomic standoff between Iran and the U.S. continues.

Why it matters

Any uranium enrichment capabilities in Saudi Arabia could open the door to a possible weapons program for the kingdom, something its assertive crown prince has suggested he could pursue if Iran obtains an atomic bomb. This would further escalate tensions in the region and pose a serious threat to nuclear nonproliferation efforts.

The details

Both former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden tried to reach a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia to share American technology. Nonproliferation experts warn that any spinning centrifuges within Saudi Arabia as part of such a deal could enable the kingdom to potentially develop nuclear weapons capabilities.

  • In November 2025, President Donald Trump met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
  • The proposed nuclear deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is currently under discussion.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who sought a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.

Joe Biden

Current President of the United States who has also pursued a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed bin Salman

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, who has suggested the kingdom could pursue nuclear weapons if Iran obtains them.

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What’s next

The proposed nuclear deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is still under discussion, and the details of any potential uranium enrichment capabilities within Saudi Arabia are still being negotiated.

The takeaway

The prospect of Saudi Arabia gaining uranium enrichment capabilities under a nuclear deal with the U.S. raises serious concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, especially given the ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This issue will require close monitoring and stringent safeguards to ensure it does not undermine regional stability and global nonproliferation efforts.