U.S. intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons

U.S. intelligence agencies have provided a classified assessment to Congress concluding that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons capability. The document, delivered to lawmakers, raises fresh concerns among some members of Congress about a U.S. agreement that would let American companies begin civilian nuclear projects in the kingdom.

Congressional review and political pushback

The agreement between the White House and Riyadh is intended to deepen ties with Saudi Arabia and limit the kingdom's need to turn to Russia or China for nuclear cooperation. But critics warn that the civil-nuclear deal could create pathways to weapons development and spark a regional arms race in a volatile Middle East.

Congress is currently in a 90-day review period for the agreement, during which lawmakers could move to block it if they can marshal enough support. According to the assessment sent to Capitol Hill, the State Department participated in preparing the classified materials delivered in August and holds a more positive view of the safeguards and assurances provided by the Saudi government.

A group of Democratic senators led by Ed Markey and Jeff Merkley sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio arguing the administration is abandoning its prior approach and adopting a looser regime of restrictions. In that letter they warned: "This process will almost certainly enable Riyadh to acquire the means to enrich uranium and potentially develop nuclear weapons."

There was no immediate public response from Riyadh. Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman has previously said the program will be "peaceful" and will be developed "with the highest degree of responsibility and transparency."

The U.S. State Department told reporters that Washington "does not support and will not support a Saudi nuclear weapons program."

Photo: press material from the event