Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear Ambitions Under Scrutiny as US Intelligence Raises Weapons Concerns

Washington: Saudi Arabia has not completely ruled out the possibility of developing nuclear weapons in the future. After this came to light in the US intelligence assessment, questions have started being raised in the US Congress regarding the civil nuclear cooperation deal between President Donald Trump administration and Saudi Arabia. According to The Washington Post, US officials said that this assessment is part of the confidential documents that were given to lawmakers during their review of the deal.

What was said in the intelligence report?

According to US intelligence assessments, Riyadh has not completely closed down the option of developing nuclear weapons. The findings come as the Trump administration pursues civil nuclear energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia. The report has raised concerns among some US lawmakers that civilian nuclear technology and the ability to enrich uranium could open the way for future military use.

What deal is the Trump administration making with Saudi Arabia?

The US-Saudi civil nuclear deal signed in July gives US companies the opportunity to work on large nuclear power projects in Saudi Arabia. The US administration says the agreement aims to enhance peaceful nuclear energy cooperation and maintain nuclear non-proliferation standards. Also, Washington wants Riyadh not to depend on countries like Russia and China in the nuclear sector.

Why are questions being raised regarding uranium enrichment?

Under the agreement, there is a provision to initially limit uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia to less than 5 percent. After additional study and written approval, the way to increase it to 20 percent may be opened. Although 20 percent enriched uranium is far below weapons-grade enrichment of 90 percent, experts and lawmakers have raised concerns that domestic enrichment capacity could be further used for a military programme.

Why question the additional protocol of IAEA?

Another issue regarding the deal is the additional protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency i.e. IAEA. According to reports, this has not been made mandatory in the agreement. The Additional Protocol gives the IAEA additional powers to investigate potential undeclared activities in addition to a country's declared nuclear activities. For this reason, some American lawmakers want more clarity regarding the monitoring system of the Saudi nuclear programme.

Why are US lawmakers opposing the deal?

A group of lawmakers led by Democratic senators Ed Markey and Jeff Merkley have written a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern over the agreement. He says the proposed arrangement could give Saudi Arabia a way to gain the capacity to enrich uranium. Although this is the objection of lawmakers, the US State Department has said that the US does not and will not support the Saudi nuclear weapons programme.

What does Saudi Arabia have to say?

Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman has previously said that the country's nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and will be developed with responsibility and transparency. Therefore, at present there is a clear difference between the apprehensions expressed in the American intelligence assessment and the public stance of the Saudi government.

What will happen in the US Congress now?

The US-Saudi nuclear deal is currently undergoing a 90-day congressional review process. MPs have the option to lodge an objection to the agreement during this period and initiate a process to block it. After the intelligence assessment comes out, the political and security related debate on this review is likely to intensify further.