Oregon Sen. Merkley responds after President Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal, says “this reckless move could fuel a nuclear arms race that puts all of us at risk”

Oregon – Trump is gifting Saudi Arabia the capability to pursue a nuclear weapon,” Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley said as he criticized the Trump administration’s nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, calling the move “inexplicable, shortsighted, and dangerous.”

Merkley said the agreement could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and warned that it could trigger a broader competition for nuclear capabilities.

“This reckless move could fuel a nuclear arms race that puts all of us at risk,” Merkley wrote in a July 23 statement on X.

The senator’s comments came after the Trump administration approved a major civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to develop uranium enrichment capabilities as part of its nuclear energy program. The agreement has sparked debate among lawmakers and nonproliferation experts over whether the safeguards are strong enough to prevent the technology from being used for military purposes.

According to reports, the agreement is intended to support Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear ambitions and expand cooperation between the United States and the kingdom. Supporters of the deal argue it would strengthen U.S. influence in the region, create opportunities for American companies, and provide Saudi Arabia with a path toward nuclear energy development under U.S. oversight, NBC News reported.

However, critics have raised concerns about allowing Saudi Arabia access to uranium enrichment technology, which can be used for civilian nuclear power but also has potential applications in developing nuclear weapons.

The Associated Press reported that the agreement could include the possibility of Saudi Arabia building a uranium enrichment facility following further studies, while critics have pointed to the absence of some stricter nonproliferation measures that have been included in previous U.S. nuclear agreements with other countries.

Merkley argued that the agreement represents a dangerous shift in U.S. nuclear policy. He compared the decision to concerns previously raised about nuclear programs in other countries and said providing sensitive technology could increase instability in a region already facing security challenges, according to the Associated Press.

The debate has also focused on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s previous statements about the possibility of Saudi Arabia pursuing nuclear weapons if Iran were to obtain them. Critics say those comments increase concerns about whether the kingdom’s nuclear ambitions are limited strictly to energy production.

Supporters of the agreement have pushed back against those concerns, saying the deal includes safeguards intended to prevent the misuse of nuclear technology. The Trump administration has argued that cooperation with Saudi Arabia gives the United States greater influence over the kingdom’s nuclear development than allowing other countries, including China or Russia, to fill that role.

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The agreement is expected to face congressional scrutiny as lawmakers debate whether the United States should approve additional nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

Merkley joined other lawmakers who have criticized the deal, arguing that Congress should closely examine any agreement involving sensitive nuclear technology. Other Democratic senators have also raised concerns about the potential risks of expanded nuclear capabilities in the Middle East.

The controversy comes as tensions remain high across the region, with lawmakers divided over how the United States should balance diplomatic relationships, energy cooperation, and nuclear nonproliferation goals.

Merkley said the administration’s decision could have long-term consequences and urged greater caution before allowing Saudi Arabia access to technology that he believes could contribute to a future nuclear arms race.