Saudi Arabia moves to give IAEA expanded inspection powers under nuclear pact

In July, the United States and Saudi Arabia concluded a civil nuclear cooperation agreement permitting Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and build reactors with American technology. Critics have noted the absence of the IAEA's Additional Protocol, which provides broad inspection authority. According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Saudi Arabia is now drafting provisions that would give the agency powers comparable to those in the Additional Protocol, covering sensitive stages such as uranium conversion, enrichment and fuel reprocessing.

These measures would be incorporated into the bilateral treaty before it is submitted to the IAEA Board of Governors for approval. Non-proliferation groups have welcomed the move as a step toward stronger safeguards, though they stress the ideal remains full adoption of the Additional Protocol.