Saudi Arabia's push towards uranium enrichment and yellowcake production is explicitly outlined by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, as part of a broader strategy to monetize all minerals. He emphasized that they would enrich uranium, sell it, and produce yellowcake, indicating a serious commitment to developing their nuclear program despite the uncertainties surrounding its potential military implications.
The kingdom's ambitions for nuclear power are underscored by previous comments from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who suggested that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran developed them. This reflects a significant regional security concern and showcases how Saudi nuclear aspirations could have broader implications beyond energy diversification.
While Saudi Arabia aims to establish its nuclear program primarily for energy diversification, its decision to scrap the UN's oversight by 2024 raises alarms. The transition to regular safeguards could lessen international scrutiny and opens avenues for more autonomy in managing nuclear activities, heightening concerns in the region regarding nuclear proliferation.
The contrasting approach of the UAE highlights the dilemma in Gulf nuclear politics, with its commitment to not enriching uranium, whereas Saudi Arabia’s ambitions seem to tread a different path. This divergence points to varying strategies among Gulf states in managing nuclear energy and associated risks, as regional dynamics evolve.
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