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Waltz: Saudi nuclear deal does not include enrichment capability

Created at 26 Jul · 5:11 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Representative Mike Waltz stated that the recently signed civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia does not involve exporting enrichment capabilities. He emphasized that the agreement is for civilian power plants and includes full inspections, contrasting it with Iran's nuclear program.

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Who's Involved

Mike Waltz
Representative who stated Saudi nuclear deal does not include enrichment capability
Chris Wright
Energy Secretary who signed the civil nuclear deal
Abdulaziz bin Salman
Saudi Minister of Energy who signed the civil nuclear deal
John N. Kennedy
Senator who criticized the timing of the deal
Kirsten Welker
NBC interviewer

↳ Why This Matters

The agreement's details regarding nuclear enrichment capabilities are crucial for regional stability and international non-proliferation efforts, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program.

Key facts

  • Representative Mike Waltz stated that the civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia does not involve exporting enrichment capabilities.
  • The deal is for civilian nuclear power plants and includes full inspections.
  • Senator John N. Kennedy criticized the timing of the deal, drawing parallels to efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program.
  • Waltz contrasted the Saudi deal with Iran's nuclear program, highlighting Iran's enrichment to weapons-grade levels and underground facilities.

Representative Mike Waltz asserted that the recently signed civil nuclear deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia does not include the export of enrichment capabilities. Speaking on "Fox News Sunday," Waltz clarified that the agreement pertains to civilian nuclear power plants, a move by Saudi Arabia to diversify its energy sources. He emphasized that the Saudis have agreed to full inspections, stating, "There is no enrichment."

The deal, announced last week by the Trump administration, involved Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. While the agreements permit American nuclear companies to export to the Saudi market, key details from the Department of Energy are still pending release.

The timing of the agreement has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, particularly in light of ongoing efforts to limit Iran's nuclear program. Senator John N. Kennedy, in an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation," questioned the juxtaposition of bombing one country to prevent nuclear proliferation while signing a deal with another, describing the global situation as being "on a hair trigger."

However, Waltz drew a stark distinction between the Saudi deal and Iran's nuclear ambitions. He told NBC's Kristen Welker that the primary trigger for a nuclear arms race would be Iran testing a nuclear weapon. Waltz highlighted that Iran is enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels, burying facilities underground, and shielding them with drone and missile defenses, while also threatening to use nuclear weapons on Israel and export its revolution.

Frequently asked questions

The main concern is whether the deal allows Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear enrichment capabilities, which could be used for weapons.

Waltz stated that the deal explicitly excludes the export of enrichment capability to Saudi Arabia and that the plants are for civilian use with full inspections.

Waltz described a significant difference, noting Iran's enrichment to weapons levels, underground facilities, and stated intentions, which he contrasted with the civilian nature and inspection protocols of the Saudi deal.

Senator John N. Kennedy criticized the timing, suggesting it was contradictory to efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

What Happens Next

01The Department of Energy is expected to release key details about the nuclear deal.

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Cadence

How It Developed

The Trump administration announced a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.
Representative Mike Waltz stated the deal does not include enrichment capability.
Senator John N. Kennedy criticized the timing of the deal, comparing it to efforts to limit Iran's nuclear program.
Waltz differentiated the Saudi deal from Iran's nuclear activities, citing Iran's enrichment to weapons levels and underground facilities.

Sources

T1
‘There is no enrichment envisioned’ in Saudi nuclear deal, Waltz saysPolitico

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