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Nuclear deal that would permit uranium enrichment by Saudi Arabia in limbo awaiting Trump admin sign off
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 18, 2026
· 7 min read
By Davis Winkie, Zachary Cohen, CNN
(CNN) — The Trump administration has tentatively agreed to allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium without enacting international safeguards intended to prevent nuclear weapons development, according to sources familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by ...
Key takeaway The draft nuclear accord that outlines US support for Riyadh’s civilian nuclear program is awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature despite US-Saudi negotiations concluding in October 2025.
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso 's proximity to the southern border and its history of international trade make the city's residents keenly aware of global events. The potential nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia has significant implications for the region, as it could impact the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond. With Fort Bliss, a major US military base, located in El Paso, the city has a vested interest in international security agreements. The delay in signing the deal, reportedly due to concerns over Iran's nuclear program, may be watched closely by El Pasoans who understand the complexities of regional conflicts. As the city continues to grow its international connections, including trade relationships with Mexico and other countries, the outcome of this deal will be of interest to local business leaders and residents alike, who will be looking for assurances that any agreement prioritizes nonproliferation and regional stability.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Davis Winkie, Zachary Cohen, CNN
(CNN) — The Trump administration has tentatively agreed to allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium without enacting international safeguards intended to prevent nuclear weapons development, according to sources familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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