ALBAWABA- The United States is preparing to sign a groundbreaking civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia within months, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced.
Speaking to Al Arabiya ahead of President Donald Trump’s anticipated visit to Riyadh—his first international trip since beginning his second term—Wright described the forthcoming deal as a “historic partnership” and emphasized the need for a broader framework than the traditional 123 Agreement to guide cooperation with the Kingdom.
“We’re laying the groundwork for a comprehensive cooperation agreement within weeks,” Wright stated. “This isn’t just a commercial deal—it’s a strategic alliance that could reshape U.S.-Saudi energy and security relations.”
The announcement revives the nuclear talks that have long simmered in the background of U.S.-Saudi diplomacy. The civil nuclear deal would allow Saudi Arabia to develop a peaceful nuclear energy program with American support, an ambition long sought by Riyadh.
The partnership may include technology transfers, joint ventures, and regulatory cooperation; components that require approval from two-thirds of the U.S. Senate.
President Trump’s upcoming visit echoes his landmark 2017 trip to Saudi Arabia during his first term, when Riyadh pledged $450 billion in arms deals and U.S. investments.
Trump recently claimed that Saudi Arabia is prepared to inject another $1 trillion into the U.S. economy, further solidifying the Kingdom’s role as a cornerstone of his foreign policy.
The timing of the visit is critical. Trump is expected to push for renewed momentum on a long-delayed normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Efforts stalled under the Biden administration due to strained ties between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and President Joe Biden, as well as the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Biden’s inability to offer firm security guarantees in return for normalization also slowed progress.
Riyadh has made clear that any normalization deal with Israel must come with solid U.S. defense commitments—chief among them a guarantee to defend Saudi Arabia in the event of an attack and support for its civilian nuclear aspirations.
To secure bipartisan support, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has emphasized that the nuclear and normalization deals align with the original vision of the Abraham Accords.
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and architect of the Accords, has also urged the former president to support the initiative, reinforcing its strategic importance to U.S. interests and Middle East stability.
