The recent civil nuclear agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia has jolted the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. The agreement veers off the gold standard nuclear arrangement with the UAE, permitting Riyadh to enrich uranium and reprocess nuclear waste. Though the US administration has indicated strict non-proliferation mechanisms and inspections, the possibility of weapons-grade enrichment in case of a serious threat to Saudi sovereignty cannot be ruled out. This agreement will compel other regional powers to pursue the nuclear option, triggering a nuclear competition in the region.

The 30-year deal is stated to fulfill the Kingdom’s energy requirements, providing a practicable alternative to its oil reserves. Concurrently, it also aligns with Vision 2030 of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, as he endeavors to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and transform the country into a modern, foreign-investment-seeking hub for the services industry. The civil nuclear program provides the country with a viable energy alternative, thus ushering it into a new era.

A deviation from 2009 gold-standard UAE nuclear deal

The current nuclear agreement signifies a departure from the 2009 gold standard civil nuclear deal between the US and the UAE. In the 2009 deal, the UAE deliberately decided to forgo domestic uranium enrichment and nuclear waste reprocessing while accepting IAEA’s additional protocols.

The Saudi leadership did not concede to IAEA’s additional protocols in this agreement. Additionally, it seeks domestic uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, which globally is accepted at 6 percent.

The Saudi leadership did not........

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