Congress Urged to Strengthen Safeguards in U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal
A new U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement is under congressional review and includes a two-year study on uranium enrichment feasibility. The deal does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the Additional Protocol for enhanced inspections, raising proliferation concerns. The author argues Congress should add safeguards to prevent Riyadh from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The pact is undergoing the congressional review required for such nuclear cooperation deals. It calls for a two-year assessment of whether uranium enrichment could be pursued in Saudi Arabia, even as President Trump said no enrichment would occur there. The text also omits a requirement that Riyadh accept the Additional Protocol, which allows broader inspections.
Officials present the arrangement as a major commercial opening for American nuclear firms. They say any future enrichment would occur only through a U.S.-controlled facility and that Saudi reliance on U.S. suppliers would block other routes during the 30-year term. Saudi officials have previously warned they might seek nuclear weapons if Iran does.
The review could shape whether Congress accepts the deal as written or attaches conditions. If safeguards remain absent, regional states and nonproliferation advocates may worry about a nuclear arms race, while U.S. nuclear firms could gain contracts. Saudi citizens and neighboring populations might benefit from civilian energy but could face greater security risks if enrichment capabilities expand. Lawmakers, diplomats, and international inspectors may bear responsibility for monitoring compliance.