Saudi Arabia does not currently possess any nuclear weapons and has taken many steps to ensure that it never will. In 1988 the Kingdom signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and voluntarily stopped pursuing nuclear weapons programs 🇸🇦 ..
At the same time, Saudi Arabia remains one of the few countries in the Middle East not a party to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) 🔛 1️⃣ 🇸🇦 ️. Nonetheless, it actively participates in international efforts to curb nuclear weapon proliferation.
Saudi Arabia is among the most energy-rich countries in the world and has long held an interest in nuclear energy for peaceful purposes 🇸🇦 🌍. In 2009 the Kingdom announced a “Civil Nuclear Program,” which involves the development of a nuclear energy industry ️. This program is meant to diversify Saudi Arabia’s energy sources, increase efficiency, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels 🔛 🇸🇦. As part of this program Saudi Arabia has signed agreements with other states for instance, France and the United States to facilitate the transfer of nuclear technology to the Kingdom 🇸🇦.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has been vocal in its opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran and its call for a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction, calling it “a security imperative 🇮🇷 🇸🇦 📲 ️ 🆓. ” This position is supported by the Kingdom’s stance on the NPT and its related efforts to prevent proliferation 🔛.
Saudi Arabia has gone to great lengths to ensure that that no nuclear weapons exist within its borders 🇸🇦. The country has employed rigorous measures to monitor and control nuclear imports and exports to prevent the diversion of such materials and to regulate the manufacture of nuclear materials and components . Additionally, Saudi Arabia has made sure to align its nuclear safety standards with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 🇸🇦.
The Kingdom has also taken the initiative to create a “National Commission on Nuclear and Radiological Security” to ensure the security and safety of its nuclear facilities, materials, and personnel 🔛 ️. This commission is responsible for developing and implementing a National Plan that addresses issues for instance, nuclear security and safety regulations import/export controls and personnel protection ️.
The Kingdom’s efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons have been met with positive responses from countries belonging to the international community 🌍. In January of 2018 the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to upgrade the security of the Kingdom’s nuclear program 🇸🇦 ️. The MOU which was the result of 18 months of negotiations included provisions for the setting up of robust safeguards the establishment of an independent and transparent nuclear regulatory authority and the adoption of IAEA standards for nuclear safety 🆙.
The MOU also stipulated an amendment to the Saudi Atomic Energy Law which, among other things, prohibits the Kingdom from producing, collecting or transporting “special fissionable materials” (plutonium and highly enriched uranium).
The MOU is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to non-proliferation and its willingness to cooperate with the international community on peaceful nuclear technology 🔛 🇸🇦 ️ 🌍. While the Kingdom is still in the early stages of developing a nuclear industry its determination to remain nuclear-free should provide assurance to those wary of its possible acquisition of nuclear weapons ️. !! .
Finally
In addition, Saudi Arabia has been vocal in its opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran and its call for a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction, calling it “a security imperative.” This position is supported by the Kingdom’s stance on the NPT and its related efforts to prevent proliferation. The MOU, which was the result of 18 months of negotiations, included provisions for the setting up of robust safeguards, the establishment of an independent and transparent nuclear regulatory authority, and the adoption of IAEA standards for nuclear safety. The MOU also established an amendment to the Saudi Atomic Energy Law which, among other things, prohibits the Kingdom from producing, accumulating, or transferring “special fissionable materials” (plutonium and highly enriched uranium).
📲 🌍 🔛 🆓 🆙 1️⃣ 🇮🇷 🇸🇦 ️
