Saudi Arabia pledges $6 million to UN Counter-Terrorism Center programs

Washington: Recent intelligence documents shared with Congress reveal that Saudi Arabia has not dismissed the possibility of developing nuclear weapons, according to a classified US assessment. The documents, which have not been made public, have heightened concerns within Congress regarding President Donald Trump's agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation with Riyadh.

The agreement, which would enable American firms to commence nuclear energy projects in Saudi Arabia worth tens of billions of dollars, is currently under review. The Trump administration argues that the partnership would bolster relations, create economic opportunities, and prevent Saudi Arabia from seeking nuclear technology from Russia or China.

The State Department maintains that the agreement does not and will not support a Saudi nuclear weapons program, emphasizing that it adheres to stringent non-proliferation standards. However, lawmakers have questioned the adequacy of the agreement's inspections, as it does not necessitate Saudi Arabia to accept the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol, which provides inspectors broader access to nuclear facilities.

A coalition of Democratic senators has demanded that the administration abandon the agreement, asserting that Riyadh should adopt stricter non-proliferation measures. The agreement initially restricts uranium enrichment to below 5 percent, although it could potentially permit enrichment of up to 20 percent subsequent to further evaluation and a separate written agreement.

Experts note that uranium enriched to 20 percent is below weapons-grade levels, but reaching that stage would significantly reduce the time and technical effort required to produce material suitable for a nuclear weapon.