The US has revived discussions with Saudi Arabia over a possible nuclear technology agreement that could allow the kingdom to develop its own nuclear energy program and potentially enrich uranium domestically.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the renewed talks during a visit to Riyadh on Sunday. He said the goal is to help Saudi Arabia create a commercial nuclear energy industry, a long-standing ambition for the oil-rich nation seeking to diversify its economy.
“We’ve not reached the details on an agreement, but it certainly looks like there is a pathway to do that,” Wright told reporters. “The issue is control of sensitive technology. Are there solutions to that that involve enrichment here in Saudi Arabia? Yes.”
Wright emphasized that the United States must be the kingdom’s primary partner in developing nuclear energy, adding that past uncertainty reflected weakened ties between the two nations in recent years, as reported by The New York Times.
The Biden administration had previously explored a similar deal as part of a broader effort to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. As part of that proposal, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered to establish diplomatic ties with Israel in exchange for nuclear cooperation and U.S. security guarantees.
But those talks stalled following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which heightened regional tensions and increased public support for Palestinians, including within Saudi Arabia.
US confirms: Saudi Arabia may be allowed to have a nuclear program on its territory. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright admitted during a visit to Riyadh that one of the options being considered is to allow the kingdom to enrich uranium on its territory – a move that Israel… pic.twitter.com/mSQJrqpSkJ
— Eli Dror
(@edrormba) April 14, 2025
For years, Saudi Arabia has pushed for American support to launch a nuclear energy program. However, past efforts stalled due to U.S. nonproliferation requirements, which are designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, according to The New York Times.
Washington typically requires partner countries to forgo uranium enrichment and fuel reprocessing on their own soil—activities that can be used to develop weapons-grade material.
One of the key sticking points has been whether Saudi Arabia would agree to import uranium or insist on enriching it at home. Critics warn that allowing domestic enrichment could increase the risk of weaponization. Prince Mohammed has previously stated that if Iran develops nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia will follow suit.
Amid delays, Saudi officials have explored nuclear partnerships with other nations, including China and Russia, as reported by The New York Times.
The proposed agreement must be reviewed by Congress, which holds the authority to block it. In the past, lawmakers from both parties expressed opposition to an agreement, including Marco Rubio, who is now secretary of state.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has resumed nuclear discussions with Iran in an effort to contain Tehran’s expanding nuclear program. These talks follow the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement during Trump’s first term.
