US President Donald Trump has approved a framework for a potential agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to develop uranium enrichment capabilities as part of its civilian nuclear programme, according to reports by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

The agreement has not yet been formally announced but could be unveiled as early as Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

If finalized, the proposed deal would establish a 30-year framework for cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with American companies expected to play a central role in developing the kingdom’s civilian nuclear energy sector.

Under the proposal, Saudi Arabia could eventually build a uranium enrichment facility following a joint technical study conducted by both countries. The agreement is expected to be submitted to the US Congress for review, where it could face opposition from lawmakers concerned that domestic uranium enrichment could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors the peaceful use of nuclear technology through inspections and safeguards. However, reports indicate that the proposed agreement is not expected to require the kingdom to adopt the IAEA’s "Additional Protocol," a mechanism that grants inspectors broader authority to verify compliance with non-proliferation commitments.

The proposed agreement comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent US and Israeli military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes, it has enriched uranium to levels approaching weapons-grade thresholds, prompting international concern.

Nuclear non-proliferation experts have cautioned that permitting Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium could provide the technical foundation for a future nuclear weapons capability. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that the kingdom would seek nuclear weapons if Iran were to acquire one.

Both President Trump and former President Joe Biden have pursued initiatives aimed at expanding civilian nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including the transfer of American nuclear technology under strict regulatory frameworks.

The proposal also follows reports that Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact after Israel’s strike in Qatar targeting Hamas officials. Pakistan’s defence minister subsequently suggested that Islamabad’s nuclear capabilities could be made available to Saudi Arabia if necessary, further intensifying concerns among analysts over the prospect of a regional nuclear arms race.

The proposed Saudi arrangement differs significantly from the United Arab Emirates’ nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States. Under the UAE model, Abu Dhabi was permitted to construct the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant but agreed to forgo uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing—an approach widely regarded by non-proliferation experts as the international benchmark for peaceful civilian nuclear cooperation.