Washington: US President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. According to media reports, the deal could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium on its own soil. Experts warn that without strict international oversight, the move could heighten the risk of nuclear proliferation.
Will this agreement last for 30 years?
According to the report, this agreement will be for about 30 years, and its estimated value is said to be tens of billions of dollars. Under this, American companies will play a major role in the development of Saudi Arabia’s civil nuclear energy programme, while the participation of other foreign companies may remain limited.
What is the ‘123 Agreement’?
The Trump administration may soon present this agreement before the US Congress. This includes the ‘123 Agreement’, which sets the legal framework for civil nuclear cooperation between the US and other countries. However, this time the agreement does not include those stringent security provisions which America has previously considered mandatory.
Will ‘gold standard’ not apply?
The so-called ‘Gold Standard’ is not included in this agreement. Generally, under this provision, no country is allowed to enrich uranium or reprocess spent nuclear fuel. These two processes are considered most important in the direction of making nuclear weapons.
No additional monitoring by IAEA?
According to reports, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Additional Protocol has also not been made mandatory in the agreement. This protocol gives the agency the authority to conduct snap inspections at suspected nuclear sites. Many experts are expressing concern about its absence.
Will the Iran-Saudi rivalry increase concerns?
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has already said that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia will also take steps in the same direction. In such a situation, the new agreement is being considered very important in terms of strategic balance and regional security in West Asia.
What did experts warn?
Nuclear experts say that if uranium enrichment is allowed without strict monitoring in line with international standards, the risk of future proliferation of nuclear weapons could increase. Therefore, the entire world will keep an eye on the final form and security provisions of this agreement.
