A group of US House Democrats has urged the administration of Donald Trump to publicly acknowledge Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons programme, arguing that decades of official silence undermine credibility and raise risks of escalation in the Middle East.

In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, more than two dozen lawmakers led by Joaquin Castro said Washington’s stance is indefensible as tensions linked to the war involving Iran intensify.

They warned of growing risks of miscalculation and said Congress has not been fully informed about the nuclear balance in the region.

Israel has never officially acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons and maintains a policy of ambiguity dating back to an informal 1969 understanding between Richard Nixon and Golda Meir.

Lawmakers argue this silence now weakens US efforts to limit nuclear programmes in countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The push reflects a broader shift within the Democratic Party, where criticism of Israel has grown over its military actions in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, as well as its stance in the Iran conflict.

Some US officials have also expressed concern about whether Israel’s thresholds for potential nuclear use are clearly understood.

Experts say even raising the issue publicly marks a significant break from long-standing bipartisan norms.

Lawmakers have requested detailed information on Israel’s nuclear capabilities and policies, signalling increasing pressure on Washington to adopt a more transparent approach.