uranium

The United States has signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could permit the kingdom to enrich its own uranium. Critics note the deal skips the "gold standard" restrictions Washington demanded from the UAE in 2009, which barred enrichment. Lawmakers from both parties are voicing concern about the agreement's implications for nuclear proliferation and stability in the Middle East, as it marks a major shift in US nonproliferation policy toward a key regional ally.

Kazakhstan's experience with nuclear diplomacy is being put forward as a rare workable model amid stalled negotiations over Iran's uranium stockpile. Commentators argue Astana's history of giving up Soviet nuclear weapons and mediating disarmament issues offers lessons, as talks on Iran face mounting technical and political hurdles.

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a possible technical partner in negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme, specifically if talks turn to the handling of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium. The country, a veteran of uranium exports and nuclear disarmament, is signalling a diplomatic role as the dispute over Iran's uranium stockpile intensifies, with reference to the IAEA and nonproliferation efforts.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran has made no attempt to repair its nuclear facilities damaged in Israeli and U.S. strikes. The statement adds to uncertainty over the state of Iran's nuclear programme after the June attacks, and will fuel debate over whether Tehran is prioritising inspections access, rebuilding, or negotiating with the West over its enriched uranium and capabilities.

Companies buying small modular reactors may find the fuel they need is not yet available at scale. The supply chain for advanced reactor fuels, including high-assay low-enriched uranium, remains in early stages of development, with enrichment and fabrication capacity still being built out. This leaves prospective SMR customers facing questions about when, and from whom, they will actually be able to source fuel once their reactors are ready.

An analysis by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute argues that Canberra's uranium policy is undermining its energy diplomacy abroad. The piece contends that restrictions and inconsistencies in how Australia handles uranium exports and nuclear cooperation weaken its credibility when engaging partners on nuclear energy and clean power transitions. It calls for a more coherent stance so Australia can be a reliable player in international energy partnerships.

An Iranian nuclear official has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of politicization, according to Iran's WANA news agency. The criticism aligns with Tehran's long-standing complaint that the UN nuclear watchdog's reporting on Iran's nuclear programme is influenced by political pressure, particularly from Western governments, amid ongoing disputes over inspections and uranium enrichment monitoring.