The US-Saudi nuclear deal is causing concern in Congress

In the summer of 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement that gives Riyadh the ability to enrich uranium for its civilian nuclear program. However, according to American intelligence, it cannot be ruled out that the country will also use the acquired technology for military purposes.

US lawmakers from both parties have expressed deep concern about the agreement. They fear that Saudi Arabia may use them to produce nuclear weapons, which could trigger a new arms race in the Middle East.

“We will follow Iran's lead as soon as possible.”

Saudi Arabia has already signaled the possibility of developing its own nuclear program. In 2008, the heir to the Saudi throne, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in an interview with the American station CBS stated that "Riyadh does not want to have a nuclear bomb, but if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, we will undoubtedly follow suit as quickly as possible."

The current situation in the Middle East is tense. Iran has long enriched uranium to levels beyond civilian use, which was one of the reasons for the United States' attack on the country in February 2026.

Although Israel has never officially confirmed its possession of nuclear weapons, it is widely recognized as a nuclear power.

The US Congress expresses opposition

The agreement between the US administration and Saudi Arabia allows American companies to participate in the implementation of nuclear projects in the kingdom. This is intended to strengthen the US nuclear industry and maintain strong ties between the two countries. However, members of the US Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, have expressed concerns about the possibility of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced a resolution expressing opposition to the Saudi-US agreement, arguing that the agreement does not meet nuclear non-proliferation standards.

But with the House in recess until the Nov. 3 election, lawmakers have little time to build the support needed to force a vote.

Experts emphasize that the development of a nuclear program by Saudi Arabia could significantly affect the balance of power in the Middle East.