Which Middle East nations have nuclear programmes, and how were they built?
Summary
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a 30-year nuclear cooperation deal allowing the U.S. to help Saudi Arabia develop a civilian nuclear program. The agreement includes technology transfers and safeguards but has raised questions about enforcement and regional security. Several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, also have nuclear programs, mostly for civilian purposes.Key Facts
- The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a “123 agreement” permitting U.S. companies to share nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia.
- The deal lasts for 30 years and includes a safeguards agreement, possibly allowing U.S. inspectors to monitor Saudi nuclear activities.
- Both countries are part of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was not involved in this bilateral U.S.-Saudi deal.
- Saudi Arabia is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which controls nuclear trade, raising questions about how it will get nuclear materials.
- The U.S. Congress must review the deal, but it is expected to pass after 90 days unless opposed by many lawmakers.
- Iran has an established nuclear program dating back to 1957 with U.S. and German support, but later developed enrichment sites secretly with help from Pakistan.
- Conflicts between the U.S., Israel, and Iran involve concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, which Iran says are for civilian use only.
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