Stories
Saudi Arabia Keeps Nuclear Weapon Option Open Amid US Civilian Deal Scrutiny
- •A classified US intelligence assessment indicates Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, raising concerns in Washington.
- •The Trump administration's 30-year deal allows US companies to help Saudi Arabia develop civilian nuclear power, aiming to strengthen ties and support the US nuclear industry.
- •Lawmakers are scrutinizing the agreement, fearing it could fuel a regional nuclear arms race, especially given Israel's presumed nuclear status and Iran's uranium enrichment.
- •A key concern is the deal allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium to nearly 20%, a level that can be processed faster into weapons-grade material.
- •The agreement is undergoing a 90-day congressional review; House Democrats have introduced a resolution to block it, citing nonproliferation concerns.
Key Questions Answered
The 30-year civilian nuclear agreement allows American companies to help Saudi Arabia develop nuclear infrastructure and energy projects. It also permits the kingdom to enrich uranium up to nearly 20 percent under a framework governed by Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act.
The agreement is undergoing a 90-day congressional review period by the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees. It can take effect without a two-thirds Senate vote unless Congress passes a joint resolution rejecting it.
Lawmakers worry that uranium enriched to nearly 20 percent can be processed into weapons-grade material much faster than natural uranium. This provision, combined with the kingdom's past statements regarding nuclear weapons, has raised concerns about a regional arms race.
