U.S. Senators Propose Measure to Block Saudi Nuclear Agreement

Washington, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : Two Democratic Senators from the United States have introduced a proposal aimed at blocking President Donald Trump’s nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Edward Markey of Massachusetts expressed concerns that the deal lacks essential safeguards to prevent a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Their joint measure paves the way for a Senate vote after November 29, prior to the potential implementation of the agreement. This initiative presents a new challenge to the administration’s nuclear diplomacy with Riyadh.

Under federal law, Congress has a 90-day window to review the agreement. If Congress does not pass a measure to block it, the agreement could take effect after this review period.

Merkley, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the need for robust security measures before transferring civilian nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia. He stated, “Allowing Saudi Arabia access to U.S. civilian nuclear technology without firm guarantees that it will not lead to nuclear weapons is unacceptable. We cannot proceed with such a significant decision blindly.”

Markey went further, warning that the proposed agreement could destabilize an already volatile region. He remarked, “The U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal is not about megawatts; it’s about megatons.”

Markey accused the administration of falling short of established nonproliferation standards, particularly by permitting uranium enrichment without the strongest international oversight.

He added, “This deal marks the beginning of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Congress must reject it.”

The Senators argue that the agreement fails to meet two critical security requirements. The first is the so-called “Gold Standard” for civilian nuclear cooperation, which commits the recipient country not to enrich uranium or reprocess spent nuclear fuel.

The second requirement is adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s additional protocol, which grants inspectors broad access to detect undeclared nuclear activities.

Without these conditions, the Senators warn that other regional powers may seek similar concessions. They specifically referenced the United Arab Emirates, whose nuclear cooperation agreement with Washington includes strict limitations on sensitive nuclear activities.

They also expressed concern that allowing Saudi Arabia capabilities not granted to Tehran could embolden Iran to resist future restrictions on its nuclear program.