Saudi Arabia's Nuclear Program: Major Shift in Oversight Announced

Saudi Arabia plans to transition from light-touch oversight of its nuclear facilities by the U.N. atomic watchdog to regular safeguards by the end of the year. This change will align with the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, enhancing the International Atomic Energy Agency's ability to verify the peaceful use of nuclear material in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia plans to scrap light-touch oversight of its nuclear facilities by the U.N. atomic watchdog and switch to regular safeguards by the end of this year, the kingdom announced on Monday. This step has been a long-standing request from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The nation has a budding nuclear program aimed to expand into sensitive areas like uranium enrichment, though its ultimate goals remain unclear. Saudi Arabia's first nuclear reactor has yet to commence operations, allowing its program to fall under the Small Quantities Protocol (SQP), an IAEA agreement that offers more lenient oversight for less advanced nuclear states.

Speaking at the IAEA's annual General Conference, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman revealed that the kingdom requested the agency in July 2024 to drop the SQP in favor of the full Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. This move will be finalized by the end of December. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has called the SQP a 'weakness' in nuclear non-proliferation and commended Saudi Arabia's decision, which will enhance the IAEA's verification capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)