Trump Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia Faces Congressional Opposition

The United States and Saudi Arabia have entered into a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that is currently under a 90-day mandatory review by the U.S. Congress. Donald Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright maintain the deal upholds high nonproliferation standards and will not allow uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia. Trump has conditioned the agreement's implementation on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel.

Despite administration assurances, classified intelligence assessments provided to Congress indicate that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out the development of nuclear weapons. The agreement allows for a two-year feasibility study on domestic uranium enrichment up to 20 percent, a level critics argue completes much of the technical work required for weapons-grade material. The Trump administration suggests any future enrichment would occur via a U.S.-owned and operated black box facility to maintain oversight and prevent Saudi reliance on China or Russia.

Democratic lawmakers have moved to block the deal. House Democrats, led by Representative Gregory W. Meeks, introduced a joint resolution of disapproval. In the Senate, a group of Democrats including Senators Edward Markey and Jeff Merkley sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio opposing the transfer of enrichment technology. Senator Merkley argued that Saudi demands for domestic enrichment indicate military ambition, while the Government of Saudi Arabia maintains its nuclear program will remain peaceful.