Waltz: Saudi nuclear deal does not include enrichment capability

The deal, announced last week by the Trump administration, involved Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. While the agreements permit American nuclear companies to export to the Saudi market, key details from the Department of Energy are still pending release.

The timing of the agreement has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, particularly in light of ongoing efforts to limit Iran's nuclear program. Senator John N. Kennedy, in an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation," questioned the juxtaposition of bombing one country to prevent nuclear proliferation while signing a deal with another, describing the global situation as being "on a hair trigger."

However, Waltz drew a stark distinction between the Saudi deal and Iran's nuclear ambitions. He told NBC's Kristen Welker that the primary trigger for a nuclear arms race would be Iran testing a nuclear weapon. Waltz highlighted that Iran is enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels, burying facilities underground, and shielding them with drone and missile defenses, while also threatening to use nuclear weapons on Israel and export its revolution.