The Washington Post reports today: "According to classified documents submitted to the U.S. Congress, American intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out the possibility of developing nuclear weapons. This assessment has raised concerns among some members of Congress regarding President Trump’s proposed support for a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia. Under the plan, Saudi Arabia would be permitted to conduct uranium enrichment within its own territory—potentially paving the way for nuclear weapons development. The agreement would allow U.S. companies to build nuclear energy projects in Saudi Arabia. Initial terms limit enrichment levels to no more than 5%, but future agreements could raise this threshold to 20%. Uranium enriched to such a level, after further processing, can be converted into weapons-grade material."
Commentary: The foundation of the global non-proliferation regime rests on uniform standards. U.S. actions in this case effectively signal to the world that access to uranium enrichment capabilities depends largely on one’s status as an American ally. Iran’s pursuit of enrichment has met with sustained sanctions and pressure; meanwhile, Saudi Arabia—designated as a U.S. partner—is being granted access to sensitive technology and the potential to increase enrichment levels to 20%. Such double standards risk undermining confidence in existing nuclear norms.
Saudi Arabia also has strategic calculations of its own. Observing Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities, Riyadh has long sought equivalent technological means as a hedge against uncertainty. Even if nuclear weapons are not pursued in the short term, possessing enrichment capability constitutes a significant strategic asset. Israel views this development with deep concern, as it opposes the emergence of another nuclear-capable state in the Middle East.
Opposition within the U.S. Congress is not solely driven by ideals of nuclear non-proliferation. Many lawmakers worry that if a nuclear arms race were to take root in the Middle East, the risk of regional conflict would multiply, ultimately placing a heavy burden on U.S. foreign policy and security commitments.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877371577212939/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.