A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has formally requested the Trump administration declassify and release all documents related to a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, including two classified side letters. The letter, led by Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Ed Markey of Massachusetts and signed by 13 other Democrats, one independent senator, and two Republicans—Rand Paul of Kentucky and John Kennedy of Louisiana—was sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Energy Secretary Christopher Wright on Wednesday.
The request follows the Trump administration’s submission of the 123 agreement to Congress in August, triggering a 90-day review period. Lawmakers have until mid-November to act on the deal, which would allow American companies to collaborate on nuclear energy projects in Saudi Arabia. The agreement has drawn scrutiny over potential risks of nuclear proliferation and the absence of transparency regarding its terms.
Key Developments
- Bipartisan Senate Letter: The senators argue that full disclosure is necessary for Congress and the public to assess the commitments made by both nations. The letter states, “Access to the full text is required for the Senate and the public to have a clear understanding of the commitments being made on the nation's behalf and those being made by Saudi Arabia to the United States.”
- Congressional Review Deadline: The 90-day window for congressional review of the 123 agreement expires in November, coinciding with the midterm elections. Lawmakers could introduce a resolution of disapproval during this period.
Background and Context
The proposed agreement, known as a 123 agreement, governs civilian nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Such agreements typically include provisions to prevent the diversion of nuclear technology for military purposes. However, this deal has raised concerns among lawmakers and security experts due to its deviation from the so-called “gold standard” of nuclear agreements, which require broader international inspections.
The Trump administration has not publicly released the full text of the agreement or the side letters, which are said to contain additional terms negotiated alongside the main pact. The State and Energy departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Political and Security Concerns
Critics of the deal, including Democratic lawmakers, have highlighted the lack of transparency and the potential for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons. Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and other Democratic representatives introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval earlier this week, seeking to block the agreement. The resolution would require a two-thirds majority in Congress to pass; otherwise, President Trump could veto it, allowing the deal to take effect as written.
The agreement’s terms have also sparked debate over whether Saudi normalization with Israel is a prerequisite for its implementation. President Trump has stated that the deal will only proceed if Saudi Arabia establishes relations with Israel, though congressional aides have noted that no such condition is explicitly included in the pact.
Next Steps
The Senate letter marks the latest effort by lawmakers to scrutinize the agreement before the November deadline. If the administration declines to declassify the documents, Congress may pursue legislative or procedural measures to obtain the information. The outcome of the review could influence U.S.-Saudi relations and broader nuclear nonproliferation efforts.