The United States moves closer to a landmark nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia.
Israel voices strong opposition. Washington simultaneously engages in direct nuclear talks with Iran.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright revealed the plan for an agreement. The countries will soon sign a broader energy partnership. Nuclear cooperation will follow later.
"I think in the short run, we'll sign a broader agreement about cooperation across the energy space," Wright stated. The U.S. Secretary expects nuclear development partnership within months.
The negotiations come as Saudi Arabia seeks alternatives to oil dependency. Global oil prices have declined due to reduced demand from the US-China trade war.
This pushes the kingdom to explore other energy sources.
Nuclear Ambitions Meet Legal Requirements And Resistance
Any nuclear agreement must include a “123 Agreement” under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act. Such agreements prevent civilian nuclear cooperation from contributing to weapons proliferation.
Wright confirmed the need for this legal framework. The Secretary believes various structures could meet both American and Saudi objectives.
However, Uranium enrichment remains a major hurdle.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid rejected any deal allowing Saudi uranium enrichment. “Israel must demand that the U.S. prohibits any discussion of uranium enrichment on Saudi soil,” he wrote.
Lapid reminded followers of his previous stance as prime minister. "I expressed firm opposition to any attempt to allow uranium enrichment in the Middle East," he noted.
Saudi Arabia sought a nuclear deal with Washington before. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman maintains a clear position;if Iran developed nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would follow suit.
Iran Talks Create Complex Regional Dynamics
President Trump held a White House situation room meeting about Iran nuclear negotiations.
Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, and other officials participated in the talks.
The administration shows division on Iran policy. Vance and envoy Witkoff believe in diplomatic solutions. Others like Rubio prefer a tougher approach toward Tehran.
Witkoff’s statements create confusion about U.S. demands. Witkoff first suggested allowing Iran to enrich uranium at low levels. Later, however, he clarified Iran must eliminate all enrichment activities.
Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei described the talks as “satisfactory” but remained cautious.
Khamenei stated he was "neither too optimistic nor too pessimistic" about negotiations.
Trump has sent mixed messages on Iran.
The president threatened military action if talks fail, whilst expressing desire for a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue.
Economic Motives Drive Saudi Nuclear Push
Saudi Arabia faces economic challenges as an oil-dependent nation. The kingdom plans to build two conventional light water reactors. Saudi has potential for 14 additional units later.
These nuclear plans depend on oil prices at or above $100 per barrel. Current OPEC basket prices hover around $66 per barrel. Trump’s tariff policies create oil market uncertainty.
"Global demand will grow faster than people think due to better economic agreements," Wright predicted. He criticised previous administration policies as "anti-hydrocarbon."
The Saudis plan to invest nearly a trillion dollars in the U.S. This massive investment potential makes the deal a priority for Trump’s administration.
Saudi Arabia announced plans for its first nuclear power plant in September 2023. This tied directly to Vision 2030 economic diversification goals. Low oil prices add urgency to their search for alternatives.
Smaller modular reactors could cut costs for Saudi Arabia. A 300 MW unit would cost about $2 billion. This compares to $9 billion for a conventional reactor. This approach would allow gradual fleet building over 10-20 years.
Political Hurdles Remain For Nuclear Agreement
Wright avoided clarifying speculation on Saudi-Israel normalisation links to nuclear talks.
"Relationships are always package deals," he noted. He did not address the connection directly.
The enrichment issue faces strong opposition in Washington. Any deal allowing Saudi uranium enrichment would meet Senate resistance. The Senate must approve all 123 agreements between countries.
Secretary Rubio opposed Saudi enrichment rights while serving in the Senate. Any agreement must overcome this political obstacle to succeed.
Saudi uranium deposits are reportedly “severely uneconomic” according to experts. This raises questions about their enrichment intentions. Any program would require importing uranium from abroad.
Uranium imports face strict international controls. The Nuclear Suppliers Group restricts sales to non-compliant countries. Saudi Arabia has not met compliance requirements under the Non Proliferation Treaty.
Wright described the engagement as a return to "common sense" energy policy. "The world needs more energy, not less energy," he argued.
Trump plans to visit Saudi Arabia next month. Wright framed the trip as proof that “American partnership is back.” He believes it will lead to economic growth and increased energy demand.
Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman met with Wright on Saturday in Riyadh. The meeting took place at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies Centre. It set the stage for future talks amid regional instability.
Both sides face difficult choices in coming weeks. Saudi Arabia must consider abandoning enrichment demands. The U.S. must weigh security risks against economic benefits.
The deal offers high stakes opportunities for both nations. Saudi Arabia could move beyond oil dependency.
The U.S. gains economic advantages with potential normalisation a end goal, yet risks proliferation in an unstable region are stark.
Keep up with Daily Euro Times for more updates!
Read also:
The Forecast is Rain: Macron Holds Nuclear Umbrella Over Europe
Pay Your Respects: A Swedish Nuclear Graveyard
Yakuza Boss Admits Offering Iran Nuclear Material
