Scott Sagan quoted for the New York Times on concerns over nuclear safeguards in the U.S.-Saudi agreement
Scott Sagan quoted for the New York Times on concerns over nuclear safeguards in the U.S.-Saudi agreement
“Other nuclear technology exporters will be incentivized to cut deals with their friends as well, abandoning strict I.A.E.A. safeguard inspections in favor of vague promises not to cheat,” said Scott Sagan.
The most significant nuclear development in the Middle East in a generation now sits in the hands of Congress.
The Trump administration this week presented its nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to lawmakers for review, opening the door for the kingdom to enrich its own reactor fuel.
President Trump has not publicly released the complete text of the deal, so it’s difficult to assess whether it aligns with American security interests. Unquestionably, the most provocative aspect is the prospect of enrichment — even if for peaceful purposes at the outset — because it could hand Saudi Arabia the technical means to pursue a nuclear device.
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