RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince has confirmed what many have long suspected nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia is about more than just electrical power, it’s about geopolitical power,” Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said in a statement. “The United States must not compromise on nonproliferation standards in any 123 agreement it concludes with Saudi Arabia.”
When the United States entered into a 123 agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2009, the UAE voluntarily agreed to prohibitions on enriching uranium or reprocessing spent fuel to produce plutonium essential steps in producing nuclear weapons.
That agreement has become known as the “gold standard” that nonproliferation advocates say should be part of all 123 agreements.
But Saudi Arabia has indicated it will not accept the “gold standard” because of its rivalry with Iran. The Iran nuclear deal limits uranium enrichment activities but does not prohibit them entirely.
Mohammed’s interview with “60 Minutes” this week stoked concerns that Saudi Arabia would use its nuclear program to counter Iran.
Reif also argued Saudi Arabia’s ability to do business with other countries doesn’t mean United States should lower its standards. The United States has the leverage to make Saudi Arabia adhere to the gold standard, he added, since countries want the U.S. to approve of their nuclear programs.
“Curbing the spread of nuclear weapons and the technology to make them is strongly in the U.S. national interest, especially when talking about the Middle East, which is plagued by various security competitions,” Reif said, adding that three of the last four 123 agreements contained legally or politically binding prohibitions on enrichment and reprocessing.
Still, Reif fears that the Trump administration will give in to Saudi Arabia because of its desire to maintain a good relationship with the Saudis, revitalize the U.S. nuclear industry and provide a counterweight to Iran.
