US nuclear power pact with Saudi Arabia lacks strict guardrails, letter says
The proposed U.S. nuclear power pact with Saudi Arabia lacks strict safeguards, raising concerns among lawmakers and nonproliferation advocates. Democratic lawmakers have urged for stronger oversight and non-proliferation protections, which are not included in the current agreement. Critics argue that the pact could compromise national security by allowing Saudi Arabia access to nuclear technology without adequate restrictions.
- ▪The U.S. State Department letter indicates the nuclear pact with Saudi Arabia does not include the strictest guardrails urged by Democratic lawmakers.
- ▪Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed intentions to develop nuclear weapons if Iran does so, heightening concerns about the agreement.
- ▪The proposed pact only requires a bilateral safeguards agreement, rather than the more stringent 'gold standard' non-proliferation protections.
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US nuclear power pact with Saudi Arabia lacks strict guardrails, letter saysSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUnited States Department of State logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationPublished May 20, 2026, 05:19 AMUpdated May 20, 2026, 05:19 AMWASHINGTON, May 19 - A proposed U.S. pact with Saudi Arabia on its development of nuclear power lacks the strictest guardrails that Democratic lawmakers had urged, according to a U.S. State Department letter sent to one of the senators.The administration of Republican President Donald Trump said last year that it was pursuing a civil nuclear pact with Saudi Arabia to boost U.S.
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