US Intelligence Warns Saudi Arabia May Pursue Nuclear Weapons

US intelligence agencies believe Saudi Arabia may consider developing its own nuclear weapons amid the escalating conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels, The Washington Post reported. This potential development poses a significant security threat to the region.

A nuclear energy agreement between Washington and Riyadh allows American companies to participate in Saudi atomic energy projects valued at tens of billions of dollars. The US administration anticipates this deal will strengthen bilateral ties and limit Saudi Arabia's cooperation with US competitors like Russia and China. The Trump administration stated in July that the agreement would enhance US and Middle Eastern security through robust nuclear safety, physical protection, and non-proliferation standards, while also boosting American peaceful nuclear technology.

However, a growing number of Democrats in Congress are concerned that the deal could pave the way for Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium to near 20%, raising fears of its potential diversion for military purposes. Congress is currently in a 90-day review period, after which lawmakers may attempt to block the agreement if they gather sufficient support.

Democratic senators have expressed strong reservations, with one letter to the Secretary of State stating the Trump administration is easing restrictions and accommodating Saudi demands, likely enabling uranium enrichment and potentially nuclear weapons development. Senator Jeff Merkley suggested that Saudi Arabia's insistence on producing its own nuclear fuel, rather than importing it, indicates ambitions beyond a peaceful program. He argued that if committed to avoiding nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would forgo uranium enrichment and fuel reprocessing and accept enhanced IAEA oversight.

Previously, Israeli officials, including former National Security Council head Meir Ben-Shabbat, had voiced concerns about the US-Saudi nuclear deal, warning it could trigger a new regional arms race.