US Intel Warns Saudi Arabia Is Not Ruling Out Nuclear Weapons Program

US intelligence agencies have handed Congress a document warning that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing its own nuclear weapons program, according to The Washington Post citing American officials. The assessment heightens concerns among some lawmakers about President Trump's nuclear civilian deal with Saudi Arabia.

The Nuclear Agreement Under Scrutiny

The deal allows US companies to launch civilian nuclear energy projects worth millions of dollars in Saudi Arabia. Critics in Congress fear it could inadvertently create pathways toward weapons development and trigger an arms race in the already volatile Middle East.

Saudi officials have not publicly confirmed or denied the intelligence assessment. The disclosure comes as the Trump administration was seeking to cement a broad agreement with Riyadh, which is accelerating efforts to expand its energy sector and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

Regional Implications

Should Saudi Arabia acquire nuclear weapons, Iran — which already blocks the Strait of Hormuz amid an ongoing conflict — would likely feel pressure to accelerate its own program. Analysts warn the risks of nuclear proliferation in the region are higher than at any point in decades.