Iranian nuclear program: Saudi Arabia insists on a key condition for any agreement between Washington and Tehran

Saudi Arabia stressed on Wednesday that verification of Iran's nuclear activities must be a central element of any agreement reached between the United States and Iran. This stance comes as discussions surrounding Tehran's nuclear program remain a major regional and international concern.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stated that the crucial issue was not merely the existence of an agreement, but the ability to effectively monitor its implementation. He asserted that a credible oversight mechanism is essential to ensure that commitments made are genuinely honored.

A long-time ally of Washington and a strategic rival of Iran in the Middle East, the Saudi kingdom has been closely monitoring developments in Iran's nuclear program for years. Riyadh has regularly expressed its concerns about its neighbor's nuclear activities, believing they could alter the balance of power in the region.

For Saudi authorities, transparency and international inspections are therefore essential guarantees. They believe that any lasting agreement must allow for rigorous monitoring of Iranian nuclear facilities and activities in order to avoid any ambiguity about Tehran's intentions.

The Saudi foreign minister's statements come in the context of the interim agreement reached between the United States and Iran following the recent war between the two countries. While this agreement has allowed for a de-escalation of tensions, many questions remain unanswered regarding Iran's long-term nuclear commitments.

As negotiations continue and regional actors closely monitor their progress, Saudi Arabia is making it clear that the success of any future agreement will depend first and foremost on the establishment of robust and verifiable control mechanisms. For Riyadh, trust can only be built through effective and continuous monitoring of Iranian nuclear activities.