US intel: Saudi Arabia kept nuclear weapons option open; Congress pushes back on civil nuclear deal
A classified US intelligence assessment reportedly concludes Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing nuclear weapons, prompting congressional opposition to a proposed civil nuclear cooperation agreement. The finding, transmitted to Capitol Hill, signals a potential shift in US nonproliferation posture toward the Gulf and raises stakes for the pending 123 agreement.
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Saudi Arabia Signals Nuclear Weapons Option Amid US Civilian Deal Review
US intelligence assessments indicate Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, potentially contingent on Iran's actions. This assessment is complicating congressional review of a proposed US-Saudi civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, raising significant nonproliferation concerns. The outcome of the congressional review and Saudi assurances regarding enrichment and reprocessing capabilities remain key uncertainties.