Thread by @DarylGKimball

The @JoeBiden admin is still discussing a deal w/#KSA and Israel to normalize their relations that might involve U.S./intl cooperation for dual-use nuclear tech transfers to the Saudis, who have nuclear energy AND nuclear weapons ambitions. Some reminders and a warning. #NPT 1/

@JoeBiden As @nytimes reported in April (nytimes.com/2023/04/01/us/… ) Biden admin “is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ... efforts to develop a peaceful nuclear energy program” which requires “highest intl standards on safety, nonproliferation, export controls and physical security.” 2/

@JoeBiden @nytimes Those intl. nonpro. standards are set by the Nuclear Suppliers Group and terms of U.S. nuclear cooperation is set by Sec. 123 of the Atomic Energy Act. In 2011, in the aftermath of the U.S.-led exemption for India, the NSG tightened its guidelines. See armscontrol.org/pressroom/2011… 3/

@JoeBiden @nytimes The U.S. has been engaged in talks w/#KSA on a formal deal on civil n-cooperation since 2012 but the Saudis are stubbornly resisting basic nonpro. standards, incl. an additional protocol w/the IAEA for tighter monitoring and assurances on uranium enrichment and reprocessing. 4/

@JoeBiden @nytimes The Saudis are threatening they might go to other suppliers (RoK, France, China, Russia) if U.S. does not acquiesce but all of these states are obligated to meet the NSG guidelines too. Failure to uphold these basic standards would be foolish & further threaten nonpro system. 3/

@JoeBiden @nytimes It is also important to recall that the tougher NSG guidelines ( nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/nsg-documen…) were the price of House Congressional support for allowing a vote on the controversial (and disastrous) U.S.-India nuclear cooperation deal, a deal that then-Sen. Joe Biden agreed to. 4/

@JoeBiden @nytimes As condition for a vote on the India deal, in 2008 HFAC Chair Berman (D-Calif.) extracted a promise from Bush admin to move quickly to ensure an NSG decision to strengthen its guidelines regarding the transfer of enrichment and reprocessing tech. See armscontrol.org/act/2010-07/us… 5/

@JoeBiden @nytimes If @POTUS fails to uphold the basic standards of the NSG in connection w/a deal for nuclear coop. w/#KSA, Mr. Biden will have erred twice regarding such agreements and will have undermined the nonpro. system. There would be stiff resistance from the Hill, allies, and ACA. end/