Saudi Arabia preparing to grant IAEA more intrusive powers, Grossi says

The US and Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement on civil nuclear power cooperation, which would allow Riyadh to enrich uranium and build nuclear reactors using US technology. The deal was announced by the White House on July 22. However, critics, including non-proliferation groups such as the Arms Control Association, have voiced concerns that the agreement does not include the Additional Protocol, which grants the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) extra powers to conduct snap inspections at undeclared locations.

The IAEA's chief, Rafael Grossi, said in a recent statement that while the Additional Protocol would be the "ideal setup", Saudi Arabia is preparing to grant the agency more intrusive powers. Specifically, Riyadh will introduce provisions into the bilateral agreement that will give the IAEA additional verification and monitoring authorizations.

This deal has been criticized for potentially undermining decades of US policy aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation in dangerous parts of the world. Some experts also argue that Saudi Arabia's leverage and influence as a net energy exporter and custodian of Islam's holiest sites and cities should be used to its advantage, rather than relying on US technology. Congress is now urging the administration to make the classified agreement public and put essential safeguards in place.

The deal with Saudi Arabia was reached at the same time that China is increasing its own influence in the region. Grossi noted that while Riyadh's move to grant more powers to the IAEA is a step in the right direction, it is still not as comprehensive as the Additional Protocol.