美国与沙特阿拉伯周三签署了一份具有历史意义的核合作协议[1][2]。美国能源部长克里斯·赖特与沙特能源大臣阿卜杜勒-阿齐兹王子正式签署了该协议[1][2]。
该协议包括"和平核合作协议"与"双边保障协议"两部分[1]，并为沙特未来进行铀浓缩铺平了道路[1]。美国能源部长在声明中表示，"这些协议反映了两国加强美沙商业关系、实现国内繁荣和为盟国提供安全的共同承诺"[1]。
但该协议引发了国际关切。防扩散专家罗斯玛丽·凯兰尼警告称，"在一场关乎伊朗核项目的战争中向沙特提供铀浓缩技术是极其愚蠢的"[1]。这份协议可能不包含伊朗在2015年核协议中接受的国际原子能机构增强监控措施，即附加议定书[1]。
沙特曾表示，如伊朗获得核武器，自身也将需要核武器[1]。该协议需要提交国会审查[1]。
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark nuclear deal that would permit the kingdom to pursue uranium enrichment in the future [1]. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the agreement on Wednesday [1][2], which comprises a "peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement" and a "bilateral safeguards agreement" [1].
Wright stated that "these agreements reflect our shared commitment to strengthen US-Saudi commercial ties, achieve domestic prosperity, and provide security for our allies" [1]. The agreement requires congressional review before it can take effect [1].
The deal has generated significant controversy among nonproliferation experts, particularly given the geopolitical context. Saudi Arabia has previously indicated it would need nuclear weapons if Iran acquired them [1]. Nonproliferation specialist Rosemary Kelanic warned that "providing uranium enrichment technology to Saudi Arabia in the midst of a war concerning Iran's nuclear program is extremely foolish" [1].
A key concern among experts is that the agreement may not include the enhanced International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring provisions—known as the Additional Protocol—that Iran accepted under the 2015 nuclear deal [1].