The Trump administration is seeking authority to share sensitive power technology with Riyadh to enable the domestic production of nuclear fuel. US senators expect a vote before December 13 on a pact that would allow the kingdom to enrich uranium up to 20%, with an initial cap of 5%. The agreement is framed as a multibillion-dollar opportunity for US nuclear companies to build energy projects in the region.

Lawmakers are now weighing these economic interests against classified intelligence assessments stating that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Former IAEA chief Hans Blix and 19 other experts have urged the US to implement stricter inspection rules to ensure material is not diverted for military use. Senator Jeff Merkley has called the administration's approach "bogus as hell," and intelligence reports suggest Riyadh's ambitions may be triggered if Iran acquires a bomb.