A group of U.S. lawmakers has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure that any forthcoming nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia includes the strongest possible safeguards, as Washington advances discussions on a landmark civilian nuclear partnership with the kingdom.

In communications to the State Department, lawmakers called for strict non-proliferation standards to be embedded in any final agreement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining long-standing U.S. principles governing the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

The request reflects congressional oversight of so-called “123 agreements,” which regulate nuclear cooperation with foreign partners.

The appeal comes as the United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, continues to deepen strategic ties with Saudi Arabia, including a major initiative to support the kingdom’s development of a civilian nuclear energy sector.

The proposed partnership is seen as a significant opportunity to strengthen energy cooperation, expand American technological leadership, and reinforce regional stability.

Negotiations between Washington and Riyadh have progressed over several years, culminating in a joint declaration outlining cooperation in building nuclear power infrastructure.

The framework positions U.S. companies as key partners in Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy diversification strategy while adhering to internationally recognized safeguards.

However, some lawmakers have expressed concern about provisions under discussion, particularly regarding uranium enrichment capabilities.

They argue that clear limits and verification mechanisms are essential to prevent any risk of proliferation and to preserve the integrity of global non-proliferation efforts.

At the same time, the proposed agreement is widely viewed as strategically important, offering the United States a chance to reinforce its influence in the Middle East and provide a stable, rules-based framework for nuclear development in a region facing complex security challenges.

Saudi Arabia, for its part, has signaled its commitment to developing a peaceful nuclear program to meet growing domestic energy demand and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons for electricity generation.

The kingdom’s vast resources and infrastructure capacity position it as a key player in future energy markets.

The debate in Washington underscores the balance policymakers are seeking between advancing a major strategic partnership and ensuring that rigorous safeguards remain central to any agreement.

Congressional review will play a decisive role once a final deal is submitted, shaping the terms under which U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation proceeds.