2 Democratic Senators Move to Block US-Saudi Nuclear Deal
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 15
2 Democratic Senators Move to Block US-Saudi Nuclear Deal
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 15
Summary
Jeff Merkley and Edward Markey introduced a resolution to block the U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation pact, setting up a congressional debate and vote when lawmakers return next month.
The senators say the Trump administration dropped longstanding safeguards and tried to limit oversight of the so-called 123 agreement, which was sent to Congress last month after being announced over the summer.
Their main objection is the absence of restrictions on uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing—technologies that can produce bomb material and, they argue, risk spurring a Middle East arms race.
The resolution faces long odds because both chambers would have to approve it, and the Republican-controlled House has not shown enough opposition even though some GOP lawmakers have voiced concerns.
The administration says the pact meets federal nonproliferation standards and would deepen U.S.-Saudi economic and security ties, while Saudi officials frame it as part of the kingdom's energy diversification push.
Will blocking this nuclear agreement push a key regional ally into the arms of rival global powers?
What hidden details in the classified side letters could permanently alter the global balance of power?
U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Under Fire: Congressional Review, Proliferation Dangers, and Geopolitical Stakes in 2026
Overview
The U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear agreement, signed in July 2026 after months of negotiation, sparked intense debate in Congress due to its lack of binding limits on Saudi enrichment and reprocessing, and its omission of the IAEA Additional Protocol. While the deal promises exclusive commercial benefits for U.S. suppliers like Westinghouse and blocks China and Russia from Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, it also raises fears of a regional nuclear arms race—especially as the UAE may demand similar terms. Despite bipartisan resolutions of disapproval, the high legal threshold for blocking such agreements makes its eventual entry into force highly likely, highlighting the tension between commercial strategy and nonproliferation risks.