Multiple outlets report that a US intelligence assessment presented to Congress said Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing nuclear weapons. The White House signed a nuclear technology-sharing agreement with the kingdom that is now under review by Congress. 

The New York Times and The Washington Post reported on Friday that the intelligence community sent classified documents to Congress about the kingdom’s policy on nuclear weapons. While the intelligence community assesses that Saudi Arabia has not decided to make a nuclear weapon, Riyadh also hasn’t ruled it out. 

The intelligence assessment was sent to Congress as it reviews a nuclear sharing agreement the White House negotiated with Saudi Arabia. In July, The Washington Post reported the White House is prepared to ink a nuclear agreement with Riyadh. The deal will allow for US companies to build nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia; Westinghouse will receive the initial contract. 

The Times notes, “A civilian nuclear power program could make [building a nuclear weapon] far easier.” The assessment has increased concern in Congress about the nuclear agreement. Congress can derail the nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia; however, it will require veto-proof majorities in both houses. 

The nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia is a significantly modified 123 Agreement. The US has signed 123 Agreements with dozens of countries, establishing the legal framework for civilian nuclear cooperation while imposing nonproliferation requirements. 

The 30-year deal does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the IAEA’s more intrusive Additional Protocol and creates a pathway for Riyadh to develop a domestic uranium enrichment program. 

While Trump said the deal was signed, he later added that Saudi Arabia would have to join the Abraham Accords. 

The deal may also make ending the war against Iran more difficult. Trump has insisted on the elimination of Iran’s uranium enrichment program, arguing that enrichment amounts to a nuclear weapons program. At the same time, the Saudi agreement creates a pathway for Riyadh to enrich uranium domestically to as high as 20%.