Nuclear reactor site in Riyadh at the King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology. (Source: Google Earth)
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan has announced the formation of the Saudi Nuclear Energy Holding Company (SNEHC) for the future construction of domestic and local nuclear energy projects.
Bin Sultan is the kingdom’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The SNEHC company will focus on using nuclear facilities for the generation of energy, water desalinization plants, and cooperation with international atomic energy researchers. Prince Bin Sultan assured the IAEA that nuclear safety would be an important aspect of their program development.
The Saudi official then proceeded to attack the peaceful nuclear energy program of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Prince Bin Sultan stated the kingdom is worried about “the absence of reports and information regarding the safety of Bushehr reactor,” while also claiming that Iran has not been cooperating with the IAEA inspectors.
In an interview with CBS News on 15 March 2018, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman said “Saudi Arabia does not want to acquire any nuclear bomb, but without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.”
Iran has repeatedly refuted claims that it does not comply with IAEA inspectors, stating that such allegations are in regards to facilities not included in its agreements with the organization.
Iran has gradually reduced its commitments to the 2015 nuclear deal as a response to the US unilaterally withdrawing from the agreement.
Iran has also repeatedly presented evidence that the IAEA sends in spies and saboteurs under the guise of nuclear inspectors, who pass sensitive information on to Iran’s adversaries.
Skepticism towards the neutrality of IAEA also increased after the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.
Despite concerns between Iran and the IAEA, the nuclear watchdog asserts that Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon.
The lack of evidence to support allegations that Iran is seeking nuclear weaponry has not stopped Saudi Arabia from threatening to seek nuclear weapons if Iran obtains one.