Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, US assessment warns
A classified US intelligence assessment warns that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, despite a recent agreement regarding civilian nuclear technology. Democratic senators have expressed strong opposition, fearing the deal could trigger a regional nuclear arms race.
Why it matters
The potential for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear capabilities poses a major challenge to US non-proliferation policy and Middle Eastern regional security.
The US Congress has reportedly received a classified intelligence assessment warning that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing a nuclear weapons programme, according to a report by The Washington Post.The assessment comes after Washington and Riyadh confirmed in July that they had reached an agreement that could potentially allow Saudi Arabia to develop uranium enrichment capabilities as part of its civilian nuclear programme.The agreement has raised concerns among US lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials over the possibility that Saudi Arabia could eventually use the technology to develop nuclear weapons.
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