RIYADH, 7 September, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Saudi Arabia is preparing to grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) additional verification and monitoring powers as part of efforts linked to its planned civil nuclear cooperation with the United States, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Monday.Grossi said the planned US-Saudi nuclear agreement does not include Riyadh signing the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which provides the UN nuclear watchdog with broader inspection and verification powers, including the ability to conduct inspections at undeclared locations. The United States and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation in July that would allow Riyadh to enrich uranium and develop nuclear reactors using US technology. The planned agreement, known as a “123 agreement,” has faced criticism from non-proliferation groups, including the Arms Control Association, for not incorporating the Additional Protocol. Grossi said the Additional Protocol would be the “ideal setup,” but indicated that Saudi Arabia was preparing to go beyond its basic obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. He said consultations and preparations had resulted in provisions being introduced into the bilateral agreement that would provide the agency with additional verification and monitoring authorisations.The IAEA chief said the proposed measures would strengthen the agency’s ability to monitor Saudi Arabia’s nuclear activities and provide greater assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme.