Washington: More than 30 Democrats in the US House of Representatives have demanded that the Trump administration publicly acknowledge Israel's clandestine nuclear weapons program. The call for transparency comes amid the stalled US-Israeli war with Iran.

According to Anadolu Agency, the congressional Democrats, led by Joaquin Castro, are urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to end the longstanding policy of ambiguity regarding Israel's nuclear capabilities. The lawmakers emphasized the need for Congress to be fully informed about the nuclear balance in the Middle East, especially given the potential risks of miscalculation and escalation.

The letter cites Iran's targeting of Israel's nuclear facilities in Dimona during this year's conflict as a critical concern. The lawmakers questioned whether the site is involved in producing fissile material for nuclear weapons. They argue that the ambiguity surrounding Israel's nuclear program complicates nonproliferation efforts in the region, affecting countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The Democrats referenced public disclosures by Mordechai Vanunu, a former technician at the Negev Nuclear Research Center, and a declassified US intelligence assessment from 1974 as evidence of Israel's nuclear weapons program. Testimony from Robert Gates, a former Defense Secretary nominee, further supports the assertion that Israel possesses nuclear weapons.

The lawmakers have requested detailed information from Rubio, including the number of nuclear weapons Israel holds, its types of warheads and launchers, and any established doctrines or red lines regarding their use. They have asked for a response by May 18.