Not only Iran, Trump is also pushing for a nuclear deal with its arch-rival Saudi Arabia

As the US continues negotiations with Iran to curb its nuclear programme, it is also moving toward finalising a preliminary civil nuclear agreement with Iran’s regional rival, Saudi Arabia.

According to a Newsweek report, the potential deal, described by the US Department of Energy as “an unprecedented civil nuclear cooperation,” comes amid Washington’s broader strategy to counter Iran’s influence — and that of China and Russia — in the Middle East.

The move could also serve as a nonproliferation measure, aiming to dissuade Riyadh from pursuing nuclear weapons if Iran were ever to develop them, added the report

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Riyadh this week as part of a wider regional tour that includes the UAE and Qatar. His meetings with Saudi officials focused on enhancing strategic energy ties and laying groundwork for a potential nuclear cooperation agreement that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an initiative to diversify its economy and energy portfolio.

Such a deal would deepen the long-standing US-Saudi relationship, historically rooted in oil and security, while also offering a counterweight to China’s and Russia’s growing presence in the region, according to the report, citing Wilson Center.

The renewed US-Saudi dialogue comes as the US prepares for a second round of nuclear talks with Iran this weekend. The parallel track with Riyadh signals Washington’s intent to re-engage on a civil nuclear agreement that was also explored during the Biden administration.

A potential agreement could allow US companies to lead the development of the kingdom’s first nuclear reactors and may involve Saudi investment in a US-based uranium enrichment facility, a move that would help Washington reduce its dependence on Russian-enriched uranium, Newsweek quoted Robert Einhorn, Senior Fellow at Brookings, as highlighting in a 2024 published analysis.

Former President Joe Biden’s efforts to secure a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia stalled due to US demands for strict non-proliferation safeguards and Riyadh’s unwillingness to normalise relations with Israel without movement on the Palestinian issue.

Under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act — known as the “123 Agreements" — any nuclear deal must include strong safeguards to prevent weapons development, including prohibitions on uranium enrichment and reprocessing.

Saudi Arabia has resisted these restrictions, citing its right to energy independence, according to media reports.

According to a Reuters report in January, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the kingdom plans to monetise its mineral resources by producing, enriching, and selling uranium for nuclear fuel, including processing it into yellowcake.

Saudi Arabia also aims to move to full IAEA inspections, replacing its current limited oversight, added the report.

Under Biden, a nuclear deal was linked to Saudi-Israel normalisation. While the Trump administration hasn’t made that connection explicit, it sees Riyadh as key to expanding the Abraham Accords.

Saudi Arabia, however, insists on Israeli support for a two-state solution.

“To get a specific agreement to partner on commercial nuclear development in Saudi Arabia, that will take a little bit longer, that will be months not weeks. We’ll need a 123 Agreement and a broader specific framework for how we’re gona cooperate together and how things are gona work but based on the discussions so far, I think it’s likely we get there,” Newsweek quoted US Energy Secretary Chris Wright as saying to Al-Arabiya English.

Saudi Energy Ministry Abdulaziz bin Salman said, “The meeting discussed prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America in several areas of the energy sector.”

Israel’s Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid on X, translated from Hebrew: “Israel must demand from the United States, our closest ally, that any nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia explicitly prohibit uranium enrichment on Saudi soil.”

Talks are likely to progress, but the timeframe may be a matter of months at least. Israel is likely to seek assurances that any agreement would not make it easier for Saudi Arabia to take a path to nuclear weapons development.

With inputs from agencies