Washington – US Congressman Brad Sherman has launched a legislative push aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from advancing a nuclear cooperation agreement that could pave the way for a civilian nuclear facility in Saudi Arabia.

Sherman warned that any potential nuclear arrangement with Riyadh must meet stringent non-proliferation standards and receive explicit congressional approval. He argued that failing to impose strict safeguards — including a permanent prohibition on uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing — would risk weakening global non-proliferation norms and destabilising an already volatile region.

The congressman is backing legislation designed to block nuclear cooperation unless Saudi Arabia agrees to the highest verification measures and binding restrictions. He expressed concern that transferring sensitive nuclear technology without ironclad guarantees could contribute to a regional arms race and erode long-standing international safeguards.

Sherman’s intervention reflects growing scepticism within Congress over the administration’s approach to nuclear diplomacy with Riyadh. Critics argue that strategic or commercial considerations must not override security concerns, particularly given Saudi Arabia’s regional posture and history of assertive foreign policy.

The dispute sets the stage for a broader confrontation in Washington over the limits of executive authority in nuclear agreements and the security implications of expanding sensitive technology partnerships in the Middle East.