US Intel Warns Saudi Arabia May Seek Nukes Despite Nuclear Cooperation Deal

Key Facts

1A classified US intelligence assessment reported that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons despite the civil nuclear cooperation deal.

2Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Riyadh in July, potentially worth tens of billions of dollars.

A classified US intelligence assessment reported that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons despite its civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States. Reuters reported the findings as Congress scrutinizes a 30-year cooperation deal signed by Energy Secretary Chris Wright in July, which is potentially worth tens of billions of dollars.

The agreement, established under Section 123, creates a legal framework for peaceful use and nonproliferation safeguards. However, according to the Washington Post, Congressional leaders are alarmed by a lack of sufficient safeguards to prevent uranium enrichment, amid warnings that such developments could accelerate a regional nuclear arms race.