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Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) takes part in a working session with the US president (not pictured) at the Al Salam Royal Palace in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah, on July 15, 2022.

Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images

Saudi Arabia announced its commitment to building a nuclear energy program, as well as a pledge to allow greater oversight for atomic energy inspectors, at a time when the kingdom is pushing ahead with its drive to become a more powerful player on the international stage.

The Saudi energy minister said his country would move to much more robust safeguards and checks from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, than it had previously. Under the agency’s Small Quantities Protocol (SQP), the IAEA exempts countries with little or no nuclear material from many inspections and transparency requirements. 

“The kingdom has recently taken the decision to rescind its Small Quantities Protocol and to move to the implementation of a full-scope Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement,” Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said during the annual conference of the IAEA in Vienna on Monday. 

“The kingdom is committed through its policy on atomic energy to the highest standards of transparency and reliability,” he said.

The watchdog agency had been pushing the kingdom and other countries with SQPs to switch to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) for years – IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called them a “weakness” amid global non-proliferation efforts.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, arrives for a meeting of the Board of Governors at IAEA headquarters on September 11, 2023 in Vienna, Austria.

Thomas Kronsteiner | Getty Images

In a post on social media platform X, Grossi wrote: “We signed an agreement for #SaudiArabia to provide the @IAEAorg with junior professional officers, marking a significant step in nuclear expertise and cooperation,” and thanked the kingdom for its support. 

The announcement put the spotlight on the kingdom’s nascent nuclear energy efforts — Saudi Arabia has a small nuclear reactor, a research unit set up with the help of Argentina, that it has not yet put into operation. Moving to the CSA will enable the kingdom to access fissile material and start running the reactor, which would make it the second Arab country in the world with a nuclear energy program after the United Arab Emirates.

“I look forward to receiving Saud Arabia’s formal communication about its decision,” Grossi said late Monday. “The IAEA stands ready to provide support in this regard.”

The Saudi energy minister did not comment on whether his country would also join the IAEA’s Additional Protocol, which requires more thorough oversight including snap inspections.

Concerns of a Middle East arms race

Prince Abdulaziz’s comments come amid increasing concern among nuclear nonproliferation experts and lawmakers about Saudi Arabia’s intentions with the technology. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a recent wide-ranging interview with Fox News that if Iran developed nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would too. He initially made the same assertion in an interview with CBS in 2018. 

The kingdom under Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership has made strides in elevating its position as a global player, from hosting the G20 and mediating between Russia and Ukraine to investing billions of dollars in global sports deals and major events. It has flexed its muscle as a so-called “middle power,” establishing itself as a diplomatic actor able to leverage its relationships with both the West and Russia and China for its own benefit. A nuclear program would elevate that position further. 

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and U.S. President Joe Biden shake hands next to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, September 9, 2023. 

Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters

Riyadh is also trying to obtain as many concessions as possible from Washington as the Biden administration tries to push it toward a normalization deal with Israel. U.S. assistance with a nuclear energy program is one of Saudi Arabia’s key demands — but not everyone is happy about that.

“A normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia would be a welcome development. But not at the cost of allowing the Saudis to develop nuclear weapons. Not at the cost of a nuclear arms race throughout the Middle East,” Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said in a statement last week. Numerous U.S. and European lawmakers have also voiced objections and concerns.

The development also comes against the backdrop of continued gridlock in talks between Washington and Tehran, the latter of which has been rapidly increasing its uranium enrichment levels in the years since former President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Iranian nuclear deal in 2018. The multilateral Obama-era deal had allowed the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs to its nuclear program. 

A picture taken on November 10, 2019, shows an Iranian flag in Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, during an official ceremony to kick-start works on a second reactor at the facility.

ATTA KENARE | AFP via Getty Images

The IAEA in early September announced that there was “no progress” in the IAEA’s efforts to monitor Iran’s nuclear activity, and that “verification and monitoring has been seriously affected by Iran’s decision to stop implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA,” the acronym for the Iran deal, which is formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. 

Iran maintains that its program is solely for civilian purposes, but it has increased its uranium enrichment to 60% purity – just a short technical step away from 90% purity, which is the level needed for bomb-making capability. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said the changes came after European signatories to the JCPOA “trampled upon their commitments” in the deal.

Still, the U.N. watchdog said that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile was down this month compared to May, potentially in a nod to the U.S. But it remained 18 times higher than its limit under the JCPOA. 

CNBC has contacted the Iranian foreign ministry for comment. 

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Anker SOLIX F2600 expanded bundle at new exclusive $1,799 low + PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh station $80, Segway ZT3 Pro $900, more

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August 12, 2025

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Anker SOLIX F2600 expanded bundle at new exclusive ,799 low + PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh station , Segway ZT3 Pro 0, more

Today’s Green Deals are almost exclusively about solar power, except for our lone EV deal. Headlining this edition is the exclusive $1,700 savings we’ve secured for our readers on the Anker SOLIX F2600 Portable Power Station with an expansion battery at a new $1,799 low. There’s also Segway’s special promotion taking its ZT3 Pro Smart All-Terrain Electric Scooter down to its second-best price of $900, as well as Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station down at $80. From there, we also have Anker’s SOLIX C300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station returning to its lowest price and a special EcoFlow promotion dropping 220W and 400W solar panels (as well as multi-bundles) to their best prices to date. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s first cash discount on Velotric’s new Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike alongside bundled gear, Navee’s Back to School e-scooter sale, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Save an exclusive $1,700 on Anker’s SOLIX F2600 power station with an expansion battery at a new $1,799 low

We’ve secured an exclusive deal from Wellbots on the Anker SOLIX F2600 Portable Power Station with a BP2600 expansion battery for $1,798.56 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5F2600 at checkout. You’d normally have to shell out $3,499 for this bundle at full price, which we’ve seen go as low as $2,399 in the past. You’re looking at a combined 49% markdown that cuts $1,700 off the tag in all, giving you the best price we have tracked on this expanded backup power solution.

A successor to the F2000 model, Anker’s SOLIX F2600 power station starts at an increased 2,560Wh LiFePO4 capacity that is then doubled thanks to the expansion battery inclusion to 5,120Wh. There are twelve output ports (including a TT-30 port for RV support) to connect devices and appliances, with the unit delivering up to 2,400W of continuous power that can surge as high as 2,800W – all within a convenient suitcase-like design complete with wheels for easier transport.

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The two main ways to recharge Anker’s SOLIX F2600 power station are either by utilizing its max 1,000W solar input that can have it back to 80% in around two hours, or you can activate its HyperFlash mode to charge to 80% via an AC outlet in one hour and 40 minutes. It comes rated for a 10-year lifespan of continuous use, so using it less often just means extended support for your backup needs, and offers the full array of remote smart controls through its companion app that you would expect.

man riding Segway ZT3 Pro electric scooter through mud puddle on dirt trail

Segway’s ZT3 Pro e-scooter brings Apple Find My and proximity locking to all-terrain adventures for $900

Following right alongside a similar deal we saw on Segway’s new F3 Electric KickScooter that is still going strong through August 17, the brand is offering a promotional discount on its ZT3 Pro Electric Scooter at $899.99 shipped through August 31, after using the code ZT3AUG100OFF at checkout, beating out Amazon pricing by $100. This model carries a $1,300 MSRP directly from the brand, but keeps down at $1,000 normally over at Amazon. We saw it hit a new $850 low last month during Prime Day, with the deal here being the next-best rate that matches its preorder launch deal from September for the first time. You’ll be saving $100 off the going rate ($400 off the MSRP), landing it just $50 above the one-time low.

If you want to learn more about this newer and smarter model, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

woman carrying Anker's PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh power station by handle towards car in front of lake

Tote Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh station through the rest of summer and beyond for $80

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its popular PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station at $79.99 shipped in both colorways, which comes in $1 under the brand’s direct website pricing. You’d normally have to spend $150 for this model at full price, though discounts have been regularly keeping the costs down between $110 and $90 on average, with some falls lower to $80, like today, and one previous drop to the $75 low during Prime Day. Aside from that one-time appearance, you’re otherwise looking at the best price we have tracked, which gives you $70 off the going rate and lands it $8 under our previous mention from three weeks ago.

If you want to learn more about this popular portable charging solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man and woman inside tent lit by Anker SOLIX C300 DC power station pop-up light

Anker’s SOLIX C300 power stations are portable 90,000mAh backup companions that start from $150

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its SOLIX C300 DC Portable Power Station at $149.99 shipped, matching the brand’s direct website pricing. You’d have to pay $250 for this unit at full price regularly, though discounts in 2025 have seen it go as low as $150, which was last seen in July’s Prime Day Sale event, with things otherwise seen repeating to $170 since June. You’re looking at another shot at the second best price we have tracked, giving you $100 off the going rate that is only beaten by the $140 low we last saw during Black Friday and Christmas sales.

If you want to learn more about this model, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man setting up EcoFlow 220W solar panel next to power station in field in front of tent

Score up to 61% total savings on EcoFlow 220W and 400W solar panels and bundles at lowest prices starting from $254

As part of its current Home Backup Sale running through August 17, EcoFlow is offering an additional 15% off promotion on 220W and 400W solar panels (plus dual panel bundles). Things start at their lowest with the NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel at $254.15 shipped, after using the code ASOLAR15OFF at checkout for the extra savings, beating out Amazon’s pricing by $75. It’s already down from its full $649 price tag thanks to the sale, with the price having stayed above $300 with discounts until today. Not only has the brand dropped the initial pricing from $329 to $299, but the extra savings make the deal all the sweeter, cutting a total $395 off the going rate for a new all-time low price, alongside the other lows we’re seeing on the 220W bundle and 400W offers.

To learn more about these solar panels or to view the full lineup of solar panel deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this promotion here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Genesis may drop its most affordable model to trade up for SUVs and EVs

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August 12, 2025

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Genesis may drop its most affordable model to trade up for SUVs and EVs

Genesis-most-affordable-model

It’s only a matter of time before the Genesis G70 sedan will no longer be offered. Genesis is reportedly planning to kill off its most affordable model as it shifts its focus to SUVs and electric vehicles.

The most affordable Genesis model is on the way out

Starting at $42,500, the G70 is the most affordable Genesis vehicle offered. But that might not be the case for long.

According to a new Automotive News report, the Genesis G70 sedan will be retired after the 2027 model year. Although it was the luxury brand’s third-best-selling vehicle last year, Genesis is moving away from sedans, with more buyers opting for SUVs and EVs.

The report said that industry analysts don’t believe the G70 is on track for a second generation. And that’s not just the US, Genesis expected to kill off its most affordable model globally.

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Genesis has yet to confirm the news, but a company spokesperson said, “We have no plans to discontinue the G70 at this time.”

The keyword is “at this time.” The G70 underwent a major refresh for the 2022MY. Much like its newest models, Genesis fine-tuned the exterior design and added more luxury to the interior, featuring a larger infotainment system and new features.

Genesis-most-affordable-model
2025 Genesis G70 (Source: Genesis)

Genesis already dropped one model this year. Earlier this month, Genesis confirmed to Car and Driver that it will no longer sell the Electrified G80 in the US, its luxury electric sedan.

The electric G80 has already been pulled from its US website, leaving only the GV60 and Electrified GV70 as purely electric options.

Genesis-G80-EV
Genesis Electrified G80 updated model (Source: Hyundai)

Genesis said that “the customer is at the core of every decision we make, and we remain flexible as we adapt to ever-changing consumer needs and market conditions.”

If Genesis kills off the G70 sedan, it will leave the GV70 SUV as its most affordable model, with starting prices from $47,985.

Genesis-GV90-coach-doors
Genesis Neolun ultra-luxury electric SUV concept (Source: Genesis)

While Genesis is trimming sedans from its lineup, it’s planning to trade up for a new flagship electric SUV. The GV90 will be the production version of the Neolun concept (shown above) revealed last March.

Genesis is expected to introduce the GV90 next year as its new ultra-luxury SUV to rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Last month, we caught a sneak peek of it for the first time with Rolls-Royce-like coach doors.

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The Hyundai IONIQ 2 makes a surprise appearance: Here’s our first look at the new EV [Video]

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August 12, 2025

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The Hyundai IONIQ 2 makes a surprise appearance: Here's our first look at the new EV [Video]

hyundai-ioniq-2-first-look

We are finally getting our first look at the IONIQ 2, the smaller sibling to the Hyundai IONIQ 5. Hyundai is expected to reveal the new EV next month, but after it was spotted driving near its tech center, we are already getting a sneak peek. Check it out for yourself in the video below.

Here’s your first look at the Hyundai IONIQ 2 out in the wild

Hyundai is betting on more affordable EVs to drive growth. It’s already finding success with the Inster EV, its cheapest electric car.

In the heart of Europe, Germany, the Inster EV was the top-selling small electric car through the first half of the year.

Hyundai is preparing to introduce another low-cost EV as part of its expanding IONIQ lineup. The IONIQ 2 will sit between the Inster EV and Hyundai Kona Electric in an increasingly popular segment.

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Hyundai is expected to introduce the IONIQ 2 next month at the Munich Motor Show, with sales set to begin in mid-2026.

Although we caught a glimpse of a camouflaged model last month in a South Korean parking lot, a new video reveals the IONIQ 2 testing on the road.

The video from CarSpyMedia offers a good look at the new EV from all angles. As with the EV2, the IONIQ 2 will feature a taller, more SUV-like profile.

It’s still covered, but you can expect to see new design elements, such as redesigned LED headlights, featured on the new IONIQ 6.

Kia-EV2
Kia Concept EV2 (Source: Kia)

The interior will undergo a “step change” from current models, according to Autocar, with new software, features, and an updated infotainment system.

Hyundai-new-IONIQ-6-EV
The interior of the new Hyundai IONIQ 6 (Source: Hyundai)

Like most Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicles, the IONIQ 2 will be based on its E-GMP platform. It will likely be offered with different battery pack options, similar to the Kia EV3. The EV3 is available with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery packs, providing WLTP range of 267 miles and 372 miles respectively.

You can also expect it to share parts and similar styling to Kia’s upcoming EV2. The EV2 is scheduled to go on sale a few months ahead of the IONIQ 2.

Hyundai has yet to announce the price range, but it’s likely to start at around 30,000 euros ($35,400), which is slightly less than the Kia EV3’s price of 35,990 euros ($42,500).

Unfortunately, the IONIQ 2 is not expected to launch in the US. Hyundai is doubling down on SUVs after ramping output of the three-row IONIQ 9 and 2025 IONIQ 5 at its Georgia EV plant.

What do you think of Hyundai’s new low-cost EV? Would you buy one for around $35,000?

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