Why US-Saudi nuclear deal could encounter hurdles in Congress
The agreement is likely to face questions in Congress over whether its nonproliferation safeguards are sufficient, as well as over Riyadh’s stated interest in acquiring nuclear weapons if Iran does, concerns over its human rights record and its ties with China.
WASHINGTON — The United States and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement on Wednesday, but the deal could face a tough path as it moves through the US review process and faces scrutiny over provisions that could allow Riyadh to pursue uranium enrichment.
According to a Tuesday report from The Wall Street Journal, the agreement, expected to last 30 years, would allow US companies to participate in developing Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program. It could also pave the way for a uranium enrichment facility in the kingdom following a joint US-Saudi study, which is likely to spark concern among lawmakers.
The agreement’s next challenge will come in Washington, where Congress is expected to examine whether the deal provides sufficient safeguards to prevent Saudi Arabia from developing nuclear weapons capability.
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