Archiv: Anreicherung (Atomtechnologie) / enrichment (atom technology)


10.10.2024 - 06:08 [ Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ]

The coming US-Saudi nuclear deal: Keep it honest

(January 5, 2024)

In 1988, the Central Intelligence Agency did discover that Riyadh bought SS-2 medium-range missiles from China but only after the deal was sealed. In 2003, when China exported DF-21 ballistic missiles to the Kingdom, the CIA again found out and was even allowed to verify the missiles were not nuclear-capable, but only after the missiles were delivered.

Several years later, when intelligence finally leaked out that China secretly built missile factories for the Saudis, the Trump administration was mum on whether there was an intelligence failure and allowed speculation that it had blessed the transaction. Then, in 2020, when US intelligence confirmed China was helping the Kingdom mill uranium domestically, it did so, again only after the mining and milling were well underway.

This track record of studied inadvertence, then, brings us to the next worry: MBS wants Washington to green-light the Kingdom enriching uranium…

10.10.2024 - 05:12 [ Institute for National Security Studies - INSS.org.il ]

Normalization for Proliferation? The Saudi Nuclear Strategy and the Price of Peace with Israel

(March 19, 2023)

In general, the Saudis wish to present themselves as Iran’s equals, and if Iran can enrich uranium, say the Saudis, then so can we. In addition, the Saudis want to keep all their nuclear options open, even if they are not intending to work on the development of nuclear weapons immediately.

19.04.2024 - 20:10 [ United Nations ]

Retaliatory spiral in Middle East must end, says UN chief after reported strikes on Iran

Following reports of alleged Israeli strikes inside Iran near a nuclear power station early Friday, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a new appeal to all parties to “stop the dangerous cycle of retaliation in the Middle East”.

“The Secretary-General condemns any act of retaliation and appeals to the international community to work together to prevent any further development that could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region and beyond,” he said in a statement issued by his Office.

19.04.2024 - 19:41 [ Newsweek ]

Iran Map Reveals How Close Israeli Strikes Were To Hitting Nuclear Sites

The Natanz uranium enrichment plant is located close to the region where the strikes are understood to have taken place.

A separate uranium conversion plant is located in Zerdenjan, a southwestern region of Isfahan. The site has been previously targeted by suspected Israeli sabotage attacks.

10.01.2024 - 10:20 [ Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ]

The coming US-Saudi nuclear deal: Keep it honest

(January 5, 2024)

In 1988, the Central Intelligence Agency did discover that Riyadh bought SS-2 medium-range missiles from China but only after the deal was sealed. In 2003, when China exported DF-21 ballistic missiles to the Kingdom, the CIA again found out and was even allowed to verify the missiles were not nuclear-capable, but only after the missiles were delivered.

Several years later, when intelligence finally leaked out that China secretly built missile factories for the Saudis, the Trump administration was mum on whether there was an intelligence failure and allowed speculation that it had blessed the transaction. Then, in 2020, when US intelligence confirmed China was helping the Kingdom mill uranium domestically, it did so, again only after the mining and milling were well underway.

This track record of studied inadvertence, then, brings us to the next worry: MBS wants Washington to green-light the Kingdom enriching uranium…

06.11.2023 - 20:40 [ ArmsControl.org ]

Saudi Push for Enrichment Raises Concerns

(November 2023)

In talks with the United States, Saudi Arabia is pushing for the right to produce nuclear fuel, a move that poses a greater proliferation risk given Riyadh’s threats to develop nuclear weapons.

06.11.2023 - 20:36 [ New York Times ]

Biden Administration Engages in Long-Shot Attempt for Saudi-Israel Deal

(June 17, 2023 Updated June 20, 2023)

For Mr. Netanyahu, Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel would be a significant political victory for the embattled leader, whose hard-right coalition government faces fierce domestic opposition.

For his part, Prince Mohammed is seeking a strengthened security relationship with the United States, access to more American weapons and U.S. consent for the kingdom to enrich uranium as part of a civilian nuclear program — something that Washington has long resisted.

27.09.2023 - 13:45 [ henry buttler / Twitter ]

The Saudi energy minister did not comment on whether his country would also join the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which requires more thorough oversight including snap inspections.

27.09.2023 - 13:05 [ Azriel Bermant / Twitter ]

As long as #SaudiArabia doesn‘t sign up to the IAEA‘s Additional Protocol which strengthens the ability of the agency to verify peaceful uses of nuclear technology, concerns will remain over Saudi nuclear ambitions.

27.09.2023 - 12:55 [ CNBC ]

Saudi Arabia announces crucial step forward in its nascent nuclear power plans

Switching to a broader inspection regime will enable the kingdom to access fissile material and start running its small nuclear reactor.

The developments come amid increasing concern among nuclear nonproliferation experts and lawmakers about Saudi Arabia‘s intentions with the technology, and the potential for a Middle Eastern arms race.

26.09.2023 - 06:28 [ Times of Israel ]

Saudi delegation to visit West Bank this week as Israel normalization talk increases

A senior Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh confirmed that al-Sudairi would be visiting Ramallah.

“We welcome His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Palestine, who will present his official credentials to His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas within a few days,” al-Sheikh tweeted Monday.

26.09.2023 - 01:23 [ ResponsibleStatecraft.org ]

WSJ conceals Saudi funding of pro-Saudi nuke deal source

Israeli sources speaking to the WSJ acknowledged concerns about nonproliferation safeguards and the potential for a regional nuclear-arms race. But the one expert who was reported as thinking “the idea is worth exploring,” is an executive at an organization that depends heavily on Saudi funding, a potential financial conflict of interest that wasn’t disclosed by the WSJ to its readers.

The WSJ quoted Brian Katulis, described as “vice president of policy at the Middle East Institute think tank in Washington,” supporting the controversial idea.

26.09.2023 - 01:15 [ Wall Street Journal ]

Saudi Uranium Enrichment Floated Under Possible Israel Deal

(21.09.2023)

“The question is whether the U.S. sitting on the sidelines, crossing its arms and scolding countries in the region for pursuing civilian nuclear energy is a more effective strategy than starting a discussion that aims to build trust and confidence among key actors in the region like Israel and Saudi Arabia.”

Katulis said, “The risk of some hostile leader getting these capacities is one we’ve seen and managed in a number of places around the world, including Pakistan.”

“It’s not an ideal situation in those instances,” he said, “but the risks can be managed.”

21.09.2023 - 22:12 [ ctvnews.ca ]

Saudi crown prince says in rare interview ‚every day we get closer‘ to normalization with Israel

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters before the interview was shown that it was best for the leaders of Israel and Saudi Arabia „to speak to how close they think they are, and where they think they are“ in the process.

„Obviously, we encourage normalization. We think it‘s good not just for Israel and Saudi Arabia, we think it‘s good for the whole region,“ Kirby said.

21.09.2023 - 21:55 [ Financial Times ]

Saudi Arabia weighs nuclear power offers from China and France in bid to sway US

(August 26, 2023)

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21.09.2023 - 20:59 [ Haaretz ]

Opposition Leader Lapid: Israel Must Not Agree to Saudi Enrichment

Amid reports that Netanyahu directed top Israeli nuclear experts to partake in negotiations over a U.S.-Saudi deal, Lapid says a stance allowing Saudi enrichment is ‚reckless,‘ and warns it will trigger a ‚Middle East nuclear arms race‘

07.09.2023 - 20:42 [ Tass.com ]

US’ decision to supply depleted uranium munitions to Kiev inhumane — Russian embassy

„The US Administration‘s decision to send depleted uranium rounds to Kiev is a clear sign of inhumanity. Obviously, Washington, obsessed with the idea of inflicting a ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia, is ready to fight not only to the last Ukrainian but to put a cross on the future generations,“ the embassy wrote on its Telegram channel.

07.09.2023 - 20:29 [ RT.com ]

Pentagon erwartet von der Ukraine einen „verantwortungsvollen“ Umgang mit Uranmunition

Kritiker des Einsatzes von Uranmunition wiesen auf einen drastischen Anstieg von Krebserkrankungen und Geburtsschäden in Ländern wie Irak und Serbien hingewiesen, in denen diese Munition eingesetzt worden ist. Die Gefahr besteht vor allem in Staubpartikeln, die freigesetzt werden, wenn die Munition zerfällt. Diese sind hochgiftig, wenn sie eingeatmet oder angefasst werden.

07.09.2023 - 20:15 [ Cambridge.org/ ]

Radiation Warfare: A Review of the Legality of Depleted Uranium Weaponry

Although the subject of media frenzy in the immediate aftermath of the 1999 Kosovo conflict, the use of depleted uranium ammunition in Iraq 2003 raised little media attention. How could the use of such a controversial weapon in 1991 go largely unnoticed just four years later? Does this lack of global condemnation necessarily lead to the conclusion that the “dictates of the public conscience” have evolved in regard to the use of this previously controversial weapon of war? This article seeks to analyze the legality of the use of depleted uranium ammunition — the main question being whether the existing laws of armed conflict are already sufficient to address any human and environmental concerns.

07.09.2023 - 20:09 [ associated press ]

A look at the uranium-based ammunition the US is sending to Ukraine

Depleted uranium is a byproduct of the uranium enrichment process needed to create nuclear weapons. The rounds retain some radioactive properties, but they can’t generate a nuclear reaction like a nuclear weapon would, RAND nuclear expert and policy researcher Edward Geist said.

03.09.2023 - 14:29 [ Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ]

There should be no Saudi uranium enrichment

(August 28, 2023)

There is increasing talk of a United States-brokered “grand bargain” on Middle East security, the core of which would be normalization of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. It isn’t clear what motivates Joe Biden to press for this deal now. The obvious goal would involve the eternal search for peace in the Middle East, but there are hints that such a bargain may have more to do with keeping the Saudis out of China’s orbit. One thing we know, Biden’s lieutenants are lobbying hard in the Senate for acceptance of some version of far-reaching demands from the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, among them access to uranium enrichment technology that would ostensibly provide fuel for future Saudi nuclear power plants. Indeed, enrichment is a step in the production of nuclear reactor fuel. It is also a vital part of one of two paths to the atomic bomb.

21.08.2023 - 14:12 [ 24news.tv ]

Lapid slams minister for saying Israel could okay Saudi nuke program

Israel‘s opposition leader Yair Lapid on Sunday took to the website formerly known as Twitter to slam a government minister who suggested Jerusalem could, in certain circumstances, give the nod to a Saudi nuclear program.

In recent months, Riyadh and Washington have held talks on Saudi conditions for progress on normalization with Israel, including security guarantees and assistance with a civilian nuclear program with uranium enrichment capacity.

19.08.2023 - 20:25 [ Times of Israel ]

White House said briefing top Democrats on Saudi-Israel normalization talks

(17.08.2023)

The report came a week after two Democratic lawmakers told The Times of Israel that they were “dumbfounded” by US President Joe Biden’s decision to pursue the normalization agreement in addition to potentially accepting Israel into the US Visa Waiver Program, in what will shore up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government at a time when they believe it is egregiously undermining the administration’s interests with its judicial overhaul and antagonizing policies toward the Palestinians.

19.08.2023 - 17:21 [ New York Times ]

White House Targets Key Democrats on Potential Saudi-Israel Pact

(Aug. 17, 2023)

Riyadh’s demands about a civilian nuclear program could also create unique political hurdles in Congress. Saudi Arabia is seeking a partnership that would allow the country to enrich its own uranium, a demand that if it were to exceed the tight restrictions outlined in the Atomic Energy Act, would require the approval of both the House and Senate.

19.08.2023 - 17:08 [ Arab Center Washington ]

The US Position on Saudi Arabia’s Civilian Nuclear Program

(Aug 16, 2023)

Riyadh’s ambitions to secure American nuclear cooperation date to the George W. Bush administration. However, negotiations have stalled over the US demand that Saudi Arabia forgo domestic uranium enrichment because of the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation. Saudi Arabia has resisted this protocol, asserting sovereignty over its uranium resources and apprehension toward Iran’s increased enrichment in recent years.

11.08.2023 - 15:29 [ Haaretz ]

Lapid Tells U.S. Lawmakers Saudi Arabia Cannot Be Allowed to Enrich Uranium

Lapid, who made his views known in a meeting with a Democratic Congressional delegation now visiting Israel, warned the Saudi enrichment would endanger Israel’s security.

The declaration makes him the first Israeli leader to publicly oppose the Saudi demand, which has aroused considerable concerns in the Israeli defense establishment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far remained silent on the issue.

04.08.2023 - 19:55 [ Simson Center ]

Why does Saudi Arabia want to acquire the nuclear fuel cycle?

(March 3, 2023)

For example, the Kingdom maintains the old version of the so-called Small Quantities Protocol (SQP), which exempts the country from extensive verification and monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Saudis have so far been unwilling to adopt the IAEA’s revised SQP or the Model Additional Protocol, which allows intrusive inspections on short notice.

04.08.2023 - 19:50 [ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) / Internationale Atomenergiebehörde ]

IAEA Supporting the Enhancement of Saudi Arabia’s National Nuclear Legal Framework

(11 Jan 2023)

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enacted the nuclear law, developed in cooperation with the IAEA, in 2018,” said Bandar E. M. Alharbi, NRRC’s General Director of Legal Affairs and International Relations. “This three-day national workshop on nuclear law organized by the NRRC, provided a very useful platform for outreach and discussion of several aspects of national nuclear law in correlation with international legal instruments”.

Saudi Arabia is party to all the main instruments adopted under IAEA auspices in the field of nuclear safety and security.

10.03.2023 - 08:38 [ Tehran Times ]

Iran dedicated to multilateral nuclear talks, diplomacy: Foreign Ministry

(06.03.2023)

Kanaani was referring to the nuclear negotiations that started in April 2021 to revive the 2015 nuclear deal but the talks came to a standstill in the summer of 2022 as the Biden administration is refusing to lift the sanctions imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency.

10.03.2023 - 08:35 [ theGuardian.com ]

IAEA chief holds ‘constructive’ talks in Iran after uranium enrichment findings

(04.03.2023)

The two-day visit by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, comes as the Vienna-based organisation seeks greater cooperation with Iran over its nuclear activities.

“By having a constructive discussion … and having good agreements, like I am sure we are going to have, we are going to be paving the way for important agreements,” Grossi told a news conference on Saturday alongside the head of Iran’s atomic energy organisation, Mohammad Eslami.

18.12.2022 - 05:04 [ theRegister.com ]

Bill Gates‘ nuclear power plant stalled by Russian fuel holdup

Of TerraPower‘s delay to at least 2030, Barasso said: „The Biden administration must consider and implement every available option to make sure TerraPower‘s Natrium reactor is fueled with American-made fuel.“

19.07.2022 - 09:50 [ Tehran Times ]

That Iran is on nuclear threshold is not secret, says top Iranian politician

He added “Iran has the capability to build nuclear bomb but it has no decision” to do so.

Enriching uranium to 20 percent was “more difficult” but increasing it to 60 percent was done in 2-3 days.

Therefore, he said, it will not be difficult to enrich uranium to purity of 90 percent.

“We’re a screwdriver’s turn away from reaching the 90% purity,” Kharrazi remarked.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei has banned production of nuclear arms.

The former foreign minister reiterated Iran’s long-held policy, saying nuclear weapon “contravenes” Iran’s religious “beliefs” and its „security exigencies“.

However, he added, mastering the nuclear technology and having the capability to build nuclear arms is “deterrent”.

25.08.2021 - 20:39 [ ORF ]

Iran: Amirabdollahian als neuer Außenminister bestätigt

Das Parlament stimmte zudem der Kabinettsliste Raisis zu, lediglich der Vorschlag für die Besetzung des Bildungsressorts wurde abgelehnt. Die übrigen 18 Kandidaten für Ministerposten wurden dagegen durchgewinkt.

18.04.2021 - 07:24 [ Haaretz ]

Netanyahu Can‘t Be Trusted to Keep Israel Out of War With Iran

A series of widely reported attacks on targets in Iran and Iranian ships that were attributed to Israel reached a peak with the explosion at the nuclear facility in Natanz. Iran’s response was not slow to come this time. Tehran announced that it had begun enriching uranium to a purity of 60 percent, triple its previous level and approaching the level needed to produce a nuclear bomb. That, at a time when U.S. President Joe Biden is putting great effort into indirect negotiations aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement.

17.01.2021 - 10:32 [ Radio Utopie ]

Wann kaufen Russland, China, Frankreich, Deutschland, Großbritannien dem Iran endlich das angereicherte Uran ab?

(05. Juli 2019)

Im Mai verhängten die U.S.A. Sanktionen auch gegen den Kauf von angereichertem Uran aus dem Iran. Zweck dieses zynischen Schachzugs war den Iran dazu zu zwingen das internationale Atomabkommen (J.C.P.O.A.) nicht mehr einhalten zu können, um ihm dann dessen Bruch vorzuwerfen, nachdem man es in Washington selbst gebrochen hatte (was von Anfang an durch einen Trick folgenlos möglich war).

Anstatt nun auf die in Washington erklärten einseitigen Sanktionen der Trump Administration zu pfeifen und dem Iran das angereicherte Uran einfach abzukaufen bzw gegen gebrauchsfähiges Uran für dessen Atomkraftwerke einzutauschen – wie es das Atomabkommen vorsieht – tun nun die Regierungen in Moskau, Peking, Paris, Berlin und London wie üblich wieder einmal nichts, sitzen rum und erzählen Dreck daher.

05.01.2021 - 17:28 [ Tagesschau.de ]

Trotz Urananreicherung: EU steht zu Abkommen mit dem Iran

Das iranische Parlament hatte die Produktion und Lagerung von „mindestens 120 Kilogramm 20-prozentig angereichertem Uran pro Jahr“ gesetzlich beschlossen. Die Regierung in Teheran hatte die IAEA bereits im Dezember von diesem Vorhaben unterrichtet. Den im Atomabkommen vorgesehenen sehr strengen Kontrollen der IAEA verweigerte sie sich nicht.

02.01.2021 - 06:28 [ Reuters / Twitter ]

Iran has told IAEA it plans to enrich uranium to 20%, Russian envoy says