Why would Trump agree to the Saudi nuclear deal? | Kenneth Roth

What Happened

According to columnist Kenneth Roth, President Donald Trump has agreed to a nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia that would permit uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing, and bar UN inspectors from certain sites. This contrasts with Trump's public demand that Iran not enrich uranium. The report comes amid an ongoing US and Israeli bombing campaign against Iran that began in June 2025, which Roth describes as a 'disastrous war of choice.' In response, Iran elevated its uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade levels and barred IAEA inspectors. Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz, which Roth claims was previously open, prompting Trump to threaten further strikes on Iranian infrastructure. The Saudi deal is portrayed as financially motivated and an attempt to repair US-Saudi relations strained by the war.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The reported deal could undermine global non-proliferation norms and trigger a regional nuclear arms race, as it grants Saudi Arabia pathways Iran is denied. It weakens US leverage in future Iran negotiations and sidelines congressional oversight of an unauthorized war, which has already cost $37.5 billion, per Defense Secretary Hegseth. The contrast between treatment of Saudi Arabia and Iran highlights inconsistent US non-proliferation policy.

Watch For

Monitor US congressional votes on additional war funding, IAEA verification of Iran's enrichment status, official US or Saudi confirmations of nuclear cooperation terms, and any Iranian retaliation or moves to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.