A new civilian nuclear cooperation deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia has triggered alarm among lawmakers and nuclear policy experts. If approved by Congress, the agreement would allow the U.S. to share civilian nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia, supporting the kingdom’s expanding nuclear energy ambitions. However, the deal’s terms have raised serious questions about safeguards that have traditionally prevented nuclear proliferation.

The key point of contention centers on whether Saudi Arabia will be permitted to enrich uranium on its own soil. Critics warn that abandoning the longstanding U.S. stance, which typically requires partners to forgo uranium enrichment, would dangerously edge Riyadh closer to developing nuclear weapons capabilities. Opponents argue this shift undermines decades of nonproliferation policy aimed at preventing nuclear arms from spreading in volatile regions.

Representative Brad Sherman, a vocal critic of nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, has expressed deep concern about the potential consequences. He highlighted the risk that Saudi Arabia’s move toward uranium enrichment may signal an intent to militarize its nuclear program, which could trigger a regional arms race involving countries like Egypt and Turkey. Sherman also warned of broader global ramifications, speculating that other countries might follow suit if safeguards are weakened.

Similarly, Elliott Abrams, the former U.S. special representative for Iran, emphasized the importance of restricting civilian nuclear agreements to exclude sensitive capabilities related to the nuclear fuel cycle. Abrams argued that while the U.S. should assist countries in developing nuclear power, helping them acquire enrichment technology risks advancing their ability to produce nuclear weapons.

The proposed agreement reportedly nears finalization and faces imminent submission to Congress, where lawmakers will decide whether the deal aligns with U.S. security interests and nonproliferation commitments. This development underlines ongoing tensions between supporting international nuclear energy expansion and maintaining strict controls to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation in sensitive regions.