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

Saudi Arabia is preparing to grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) enhanced inspection powers, according to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. While Riyadh will not sign the Additional Protocol, which provides sweeping inspection authorities, a bilateral agreement is being developed that will offer similar capabilities for sensitive nuclear activities.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia finalized an agreement in July for civil nuclear cooperation, allowing Riyadh to enrich uranium and construct nuclear reactors with U.S. technology. However, non-proliferation groups, including the Arms Control Association, have voiced criticism, noting the absence of the Additional Protocol in the planned "123 agreement." This protocol grants the IAEA powers such as surprise inspections at undeclared sites.

Grossi stated that while the Additional Protocol would be the "ideal setup," Saudi Arabia is prepared to exceed its existing obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. He indicated that consultations have led to the inclusion of provisions in the bilateral agreement that will grant the agency additional verification and monitoring authorizations, particularly concerning uranium enrichment, uranium conversion, and reprocessing.

"These are sensitive activities, as we all know. So for those we are going to have authorisations and capacities which are very, very similar to those that you may find in an Additional Protocol," Grossi told a press conference, without providing further details. Once finalized, the bilateral agreement will be submitted to the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors for review.