Saudi enrichment deal stalls as Trump weighs sign-off and safeguards

The White House has tentatively approved a bilateral Saudi civil-nuclear deal that would permit limited uranium enrichment with safeguards short of the IAEA’s Additional Protocol; the accord awaits President Trump’s signature, delayed amid Iran-related tensions and potential bipartisan opposition. Critics warn the bespoke safeguards could enable a path to weapons development, while supporters argue it supports peaceful energy and counters rival powers; the UAE model is often cited as the gold standard.