Vienna: South Korea's planned nuclear-powered submarine program is not expected to raise proliferation concerns, provided a robust safeguards arrangement is made with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Grossi emphasized that discussions between the IAEA and Seoul have commenced, though they remain in the preliminary phase due to the absence of detailed plans for the submarine program.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Grossi explained at a press conference in Vienna that countries involved in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty must inform the IAEA to initiate a special arrangement. This process involves technical meetings between IAEA safeguards experts and Korean experts to determine the necessary steps. Grossi stated that the primary technical challenge lies in maintaining accountability for nuclear material once loaded onto submarines, which can operate underwater for extended periods without routine inspection.

Grossi mentioned that ensuring the uranium loaded onto submarines matches the amount upon return to harbor is crucial to preventing proliferation. He underscored that the discussions between Seoul and the IAEA are still in the initial stages and that South Korea has not finalized decisions regarding the technology or operational modalities of the planned submarines.

Following a summit in October between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, South Korea is advancing plans to build conventionally armed, nuclear-propelled submarines. The summit resulted in a joint fact sheet where the U.S. agreed to support South Korea's endeavors in nuclear submarine construction, uranium enrichment, and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing for civilian purposes. Talks between the two nations began last week to discuss the implementation of these security initiatives.