IAEA Secretary-General: "Australia's Possession of Nuclear Submarines Could Set a Precedent for Other Countries to Acquire Them Illegally"

Concerns Over Nuclear Proliferation and Legal Issues Raised Regarding Nuclear Fuel Processing

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concerns that Australia’s move to acquire nuclear submarines through the AUKUS agreement could set a precedent for other countries seeking to possess nuclear submarines.

AUKUS is a new trilateral security partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, through which Australia, despite not being a nuclear-armed state, can secure nuclear submarines with U.S. support.

According to The Guardian on the 19th (local time), Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, said in Washington, U.S., "Other countries seeing this case might follow Australia’s example and attempt to acquire nuclear submarines, which could lead to serious nuclear proliferation and legal issues."

Director General Grossi stated that he has dispatched a specialized team to investigate whether there are any safety or legal issues related to this case.

If the AUKUS plan proceeds as scheduled, it will be the first time a non-nuclear-armed country obtains a nuclear-powered submarine.

The Guardian pointed out that this issue exposes the ambiguity in the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which stipulates that fissile material can be provided to non-nuclear-armed countries for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.

The IAEA has yet to establish procedures to ensure that separated nuclear fuel under its supervision is not diverted to nuclear weapons.

Grossi told reporters, "Whether technology is transferred or nuclear material is handed over, there must be a clear agreement between the parties that it will be under our supervision," adding, "For this, clear consultations with the IAEA must take place."

He added, "Although there is no precedent, it is now necessary to clarify the matter very clearly, and this is a very necessary measure."

Grossi expressed concern that "other countries might use the AUKUS precedent to pursue their own nuclear submarine programs."

The Guardian also reported that South Korea and Canada have been considering manufacturing nuclear submarines. Nuclear submarines can remain submerged quietly for longer periods than conventional submarines.

Grossi said, "Iran notified in 2018 about its naval nuclear propulsion program plan, stating that for the first five years, nuclear facilities would not be related to the program."

However, at the United Nations General Assembly meeting held in New York last month, Iran reportedly cited AUKUS as a precedent for advancing its nuclear submarine plans.

He said, "The United States and the United Kingdom have the responsibility to ensure that no nuclear proliferation risk arises when transferring nuclear material and technology to Australia under the AUKUS agreement," adding, "I discussed this with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington last week."

He added, "I believe Secretary Blinken is well aware of the implications of this issue, and we will formalize an agreement through trilateral negotiations or other means."

He also said, "We have already established a task force composed of highly specialized investigators and legal experts to examine this matter."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.