2 US senators move to block Saudi nuclear deal

Two Democratic US senators, Jeff Merkley and Edward Markey, have introduced a resolution to block the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The senators argue that the deal lacks essential safeguards to prevent the Middle East from spiraling into a nuclear arms race. The resolution, which must be passed before November 29, would prevent the agreement from taking effect if approved by Congress.

The senators contend that the agreement does not meet the "gold standard" for civilian nuclear cooperation and fails to adhere to the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol. They warn that the deal could embolden other regional powers to demand similar concessions and could destabilize the volatile Middle East.