US Intel Warns Saudi Arabia Open to Nuclear Weapons Path Amid Controversial Trump-Era Nuclear Deal

A classified U.S. intelligence assessment, reported by The Washington Post on September 25, 2026, concludes that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, intensifying congressional scrutiny of a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement signed in July 2026 between the Trump administration and Riyadh. The deal, a Section 123 agreement signed by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, opens the door for American firms like Westinghouse to pursue tens of billions in nuclear projects while allowing Saudi uranium enrichment—initially capped below 5% but potentially rising to 20% after a joint study. This represents a notable departure from the 'gold standard' nonproliferation terms applied in prior deals, such as with the UAE, and omits the IAEA's Additional Protocol for intrusive inspections. Democratic Senators Ed Markey and Jeff Merkley, along with colleagues including Tim Kaine and Jeff Merkley, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on September 25, 2026, warning the arrangement 'is all but certain to allow Riyadh to acquire the means to enrich uranium and possibly develop nuclear weapons.' They highlighted risks of a regional arms race, particularly as tensions with Iran persist, noting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously signaled willingness to pursue nuclear capabilities if Iran does. The New York Times reported in July 2026 that the deal aims to bind Saudi Arabia to U.S. technology and counter Russian or Chinese influence, yet experts like James Acton of the Carnegie Endowment described it as shortsighted. Reuters and CNN coverage from July confirmed the agreement's 30-year term and congressional review period, while Jerusalem Post and Ynet echoed WaPo's intel findings. Broader context includes prior Senate efforts, such as the No Nuclear Weapons for Saudi Arabia Act, underscoring long-standing proliferation concerns tied to Saudi-Iran rivalry and U.S. commercial interests.