Enhanced IAEA Inspection Powers

Saudi Arabia is preparing to grant the IAEA more intrusive inspection powers.

Saudi Arabia is planning to grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) more intrusive powers, according to Director General of the IAEEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi. Non-proliferation groups have criticised the planned "123 agreement" for not including the Additional Protocol, which grants the IEA extra powers such as snap inspections at undeclared locations. Grossi stated that while the Additional protocol would be the ideal setup, Riyadh was preparing to go beyond its core obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IIAEA. Once details are finalised, the bilateral agreement between the IIEA and Saudi Arabia will be presented to the IPAA's 35-nation Board of Governors.