Saudi Arabia plans to scrap light-touch oversight of its nuclear facilities by the UN atomic watchdog and switch to regular safeguards by the end of this year, a step the watchdog has long been calling for. Riyadh has submitted a request to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol and implement the full Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, allowing the IAEA to verify the peaceful use of nuclear material in the country. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi commends Saudi Arabia for the decision.