Saudi Nuclear Deal Lacks Strong Safeguards, Critics Say

A new agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia on nuclear power has ignited worry among lawmakers who are pushing for tighter oversight. The deal, still under review before President Trump could sign it, would allow the U.S. to share nuclear technology with Riyadh.

Key Points

• Senate Demands
  Democratic senators urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to require a United Nations‑backed system that would enable the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct surprise inspections.
  The State Department’s letter, however, states that the pact only calls for a simpler bilateral safeguards agreement.

• Gold Standard Omitted
  Senators also sought a “gold standard” that would prohibit Saudi Arabia from enriching uranium or reprocessing waste—steps that could facilitate weapons development.
  This standard, used by the UAE in 2009 before building its first plant, is absent from the current letter.

• State Department’s Position
  The department asserts that the draft includes all legal requirements and pledges strong safety, security, and non‑proliferation commitments.

• Senator Markey’s Warning
  Senator Edward Markey warned that the deal “sells out national security” by granting Saudi Arabia advanced nuclear technology without the strictest protections.
  He highlighted that Saudi leaders have stated they would pursue weapons if Iran did, echoing U.S. concerns over similar technology.

Legislative Process

• Congressional Oversight
  If President Trump signs the agreement, Congress will have 90 days to oppose it.
  Should the deal pass, the U.S. would begin sharing nuclear power technology with Saudi Arabia—a move experts say could be risky given the kingdom’s long‑term intentions.