The US Congress has received a classified intelligence document stating that Saudi Arabia does not rule out developing its own nuclear weapons program. This revelation has sparked serious concern among American lawmakers amid initiatives by President Donald Trump's administration to support the kingdom's civil nuclear energy sector. Critics fear that such moves could trigger a widespread arms race across the entire Middle East region.
The Essence of the Nuclear Deal and Washington's Plans
According to The Washington Post, the agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia allows American corporations to implement multi-million-dollar peaceful atomic projects within the kingdom. The Trump administration anticipates that this step will strengthen the strategic alliance with Riyadh and reduce the likelihood of a technological alignment between the monarchy and Washington's geopolitical opponents, such as Russia and China. Nevertheless, a growing number of Democratic lawmakers point to high risks of uranium enrichment to dangerous thresholds, which could potentially be repurposed for military objectives.
Positions of the Parties and Democratic Concerns
A group of senators led by Senators Ed Markey and Jeff Merkley sent an official letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sharply criticizing the softening of American requirements and concessions made to the Saudi side. Parliamentarians emphasize that the current arrangements pave the way for Riyadh to acquire uranium enrichment capabilities. At the same time, US State Department officials insist on the reliability of the non-proliferation safeguards provided and state that Washington categorically does not support the kingdom's military nuclear ambitions. In turn, the Saudi government has repeatedly emphasized the exclusively peaceful nature of its atomic program.
Contradictory Data
During the debate over the nuclear agreement in the US Congress, notable discrepancies emerged between the assessments of specialized agencies and statements from Saudi officials. The US intelligence community expressed skepticism in its classified report, suggesting that Riyadh might use civilian technologies as cover for military developments. Conversely, the State Department demonstrated significantly greater confidence in the reliability of control mechanisms and the transparency of the Saudi government's actions. Official Riyadh, channeling the stance of Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, insisted on absolute transparency and the peaceful orientation of its atomic energy, though specialized experts continue to fear hidden risks of escalation in the Middle East.
