Summary
- Saudi Arabia plans to switch from light-touch oversight to regular safeguards for its nuclear facilities by the end of the year.
- The kingdom wants to expand its nuclear program, including proliferation-sensitive activities like uranium enrichment.
- Riyadh has requested to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol with the IAEA and implement a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
- The IAEA chief commended Saudi Arabia for this decision, which increases verification of peaceful nuclear material use in the country.