US Intelligence Warns Saudi Arabia May Pursue Nuclear Weapons

Classified U.S. intelligence documents suggest Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing a nuclear weapons program, according to a report by the Washington Post, citing Ynet. This assessment comes as U.S. lawmakers review a civilian nuclear agreement signed between Washington and Riyadh in July. The deal allows American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program, including building power plants.

A key point of contention is Saudi Arabia's refusal to renounce the possibility of enriching uranium on its own territory and its non-adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency's additional protocol, which mandates enhanced inspections. Initially, Saudi Arabia plans to import enriched uranium, with the U.S. and the kingdom conducting a two-year study on the economic feasibility and safeguards for domestic enrichment.

Under the reported terms, if local enrichment is deemed necessary, a U.S.-assisted facility could initially produce uranium enriched to 5%, with a potential future study to increase this to 20%. Experts note that while 20% enrichment has civilian uses, it technically brings a program closer to the approximately 90% enrichment required for military-grade uranium.

The Trump administration defended the agreement's safeguards, stating that any enrichment operations would be controlled by U.S. companies and technology would not be transferred to Saudi Arabia. They also argued that a U.S. partnership would prevent Riyadh from turning to China or Russia for nuclear development.

However, the classified documents reveal differing assessments within the U.S. apparatus. While intelligence agencies believe Riyadh has not dismissed a military option, the State Department reportedly has greater confidence in the agreement's safeguards and Saudi assurances. The Saudi government maintains its nuclear program will remain exclusively peaceful and transparent.

The issue also has an Israeli dimension, as President Trump previously stated the nuclear deal would not proceed without Saudi Arabia's adherence to the Abraham Accords and normalization with Israel. Despite this, the agreement has been submitted to Congress for a 90-day review period. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had previously stated in 2018 that Saudi Arabia would pursue a nuclear weapon if Iran developed one. Some U.S. Democratic lawmakers are now demanding stricter guarantees, citing proliferation risks from domestic enrichment capabilities.