US Intelligence Report: Saudi Arabia Still Pursues Nuclear Weapons Capability

A classified report from the U.S. Intelligence Community presented to Congress indicates that Saudi Arabia has not abandoned its pursuit of nuclear weapons capability, according to The Washington Post, citing unnamed U.S. officials. This revelation comes amid a recent agreement between Washington and Riyadh in July, which could potentially grant the kingdom access to uranium enrichment technologies and capabilities under the guise of a peaceful nuclear program. The deal has sparked significant concern among U.S. lawmakers from both parties, as well as in Israel.

A group of Democratic senators, led by Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, has voiced their apprehension in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warning against a departure from established non-proliferation standards. Saudi Arabian authorities have not provided direct responses to inquiries from the publication, instead referring to a prior statement from the country's energy minister asserting that the kingdom's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.

The U.S. State Department has stated that Washington "does not and will not support a Saudi Arabian nuclear weapons program" while defending the recently signed agreement. The CIA declined to comment on the matter.