Saudi Arabia may still pursue nuclear arms, US assessment warns
US intelligence assessments suggest that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, raising concerns among lawmakers regarding a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. The deal, initiated by the Trump administration, could allow for uranium enrichment, sparking debate over potential proliferation risks.
Why it matters
The potential for nuclear proliferation in the Middle East is a major geopolitical concern that impacts international security and US foreign policy.
US intelligence assessments said Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing a nuclear weapons program, according to classified documents provided to Congress and reviewed by officials who spoke to The Washington Post.The assessment was included in classified documents submitted to Congress as part of a review of a US-Saudi agreement to expand civilian nuclear cooperation.The intelligence assessment raised concerns among some US lawmakers over the agreement reached by US President Donald Trump's administration, which would allow American companies to pursue tens of billions of dollars in nuclear energy projects in Saudi Arabia.The agreement has also drawn scrutiny because it could eventually allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium to 20%, according to The Washington Post.
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