A classified intelligence assessment provided to Congress asserts that Saudi Arabia has left open the option of developing a nuclear weapon, according to American officials. The assessment was sent to lawmakers reviewing the Trump administration’s agreement to help Saudi Arabia develop nuclear power for civilian purposes. Some lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about the project, fearing the kingdom could use it to eventually develop nuclear weapons.

The officials emphasized that Saudi Arabia has not made any decision to pursue a nuclear weapon. American officials have long assessed that Saudi Arabia remains interested in having nuclear weapons, given that the country has threatened to build them if Iran did so. A civilian nuclear power program could make that far easier.

The deal between the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia will allow American businesses to help develop nuclear power projects in the kingdom. Under the agreement, Saudi Arabia can enrich uranium to nearly 20 percent. That is far less purity than is needed to make a nuclear weapon, but a country with uranium enriched to that level would need only a short period of time to enrich to weapons grade.

House Democrats, led by Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York, have introduced a joint resolution of disapproval seeking to block the agreement. But procedural rules make it difficult for members of the minority to force such a measure to the House floor over the objections of Republican leaders.