FDD Events Podcast FDD Morning Brief | feat. Andrea Stricker, hosted by Natalie Ecanow (May 14)
May 14, 2025
Andrea Stricker, Deputy Director of FDD's Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program, dives into the complexities of Saudi Arabia's nuclear ambitions and its potential nuclear cooperation with the U.S. She discusses the risks of uranium enrichment in the Middle East and how this could trigger a domino effect among neighboring countries, especially given rising tensions with Iran. The conversation also explores shifting geopolitical dynamics, highlighting the roles of Russia and China, and the implications for U.S.-Middle East relations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Israeli Suspicion of US-Qatar Relations
- Israelis feel sidelined as the US cultivates U.S.-Qatar ties despite Qatar's controversial standing.
- This feeds Israeli suspicion that Washington may confuse friends with foes in the Gulf.</span>
Risks of US-Saudi Nuclear Deal
- The U.S.-Saudi 1-2 nuclear cooperation agreement could facilitate the transfer of nuclear technology including uranium enrichment.
- This risks accelerating proliferation in the region, as enrichment and reprocessing are key to producing nuclear weapons fuel.
Focus on Rolling Back Iran's Program
- The priority should be to push back on Iran's nuclear enrichment program rather than enabling regional proliferation.
- Allowing Saudi Arabia or others to enrich uranium feeds a cascade of regional nuclear development, increasing instability.