By Urdu Report Editorial Team
The full text of the nuclear agreement reached between the United States and Saudi Arabia in July leaves Riyadh a conditional and phased path to uranium enrichment.
The complete signed text was obtained about six weeks after it was sent to the US Congress.
How Could Saudi Arabia Enrich Uranium?
Under Article 7 of the agreement, uranium transferred or produced under the deal can be enriched with the written consent of both parties.
The United States and Saudi Arabia will jointly assess the possibilities for uranium enrichment.
One provision sets the enrichment limit at 5 percent if US equipment and technology are used. However, with the consent of both parties, Saudi Arabia could increase the enrichment level to 20 percent.
No Mandatory Additional Protocol
The agreement does not require Saudi Arabia to join the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol.
However, Riyadh is required to accept the inspections specified under the agreement.
The monitoring arrangement between the United States and Saudi Arabia will be limited to sites directly covered by the nuclear cooperation. These include facilities operating with US technology or US nuclear material.
Two Confidential Supplementary Letters
The White House referred to two confidential supplementary letters in a letter sent to the US Congress. Their contents have not yet been made public.
According to the report, even if the letters contain additional details about nuclear cooperation, they would have limited practical effect without Saudi Arabia’s approval and signature.
Concerns Over Nuclear Proliferation
Experts in nuclear non-proliferation have raised concerns about the enrichment provisions and the scope of monitoring under the agreement.
According to the report, the possibility of uranium enrichment up to 20 percent is considered significant for the future development of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program.
