Civil Nuclear Cooperation Could Shift Regional Dynamics as Uranium Enrichment Raises Global Concerns
Former US President Donald Trump will visit Saudi Arabia this week, potentially reshaping energy diplomacy in the Middle East as he renews discussions on a US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement. The visit marks Trump’s first official trip to the kingdom during his second term and comes amid heightened interest in nuclear energy collaboration.
US Energy Firms Eye Major Opportunity
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who visited Saudi Arabia ahead of Trump’s trip, stated that the world should “expect to see meaningful developments” in civil nuclear cooperation this year. The plan could open significant business avenues for American energy companies and potentially block Russia and China from becoming Saudi Arabia’s nuclear partners.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity,” Wright told the Associated Press (AP), signaling strong US intent to deepen energy ties with the kingdom.
Why Saudi Arabia Wants Nuclear Power
Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s largest oil producers but relies heavily on oil for domestic energy needs like air conditioning, reducing its export capacity. Nuclear power offers a sustainable solution to this challenge. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also been pushing for local uranium mining to support such a transition.
Experts say the move could allow Saudi Arabia to conserve its oil reserves for global export while meeting domestic energy needs through nuclear power.
Concerns Over Uranium Enrichment and Weapons Proliferation
However, the proposed nuclear cooperation has raised alarm bells globally—particularly due to Saudi Arabia’s insistence on enriching uranium within its own borders. Uranium enrichment serves a dual purpose—it fuels power plants and can also be used to develop nuclear weapons.
In 2018, Prince Mohammed said Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran ever developed one, a comment that still stirs concern among Western policymakers.
“The US allowing enrichment could set a dangerous precedent,” said Robert Einhorn, a former US official, in a recent Brookings Institution paper.
US Policy Shift from Biden to Trump
The Biden administration tied nuclear talks with Saudi Arabia to broader negotiations involving US security guarantees, regional peace efforts, and the normalization of relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords.
Trump’s administration now appears to approach the nuclear issue more independently, although experts like Jon Alterman from the Center for Strategic and International Studies believe they could still use it as leverage in broader regional negotiations.
Israeli Concerns and Global Reactions
Some Israeli officials have already voiced opposition to any uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia, fearing it could fuel an arms race in the region. Meanwhile, Iran and Saudi Arabia are keeping a close eye on each other’s evolving relationships with Washington.
Despite uncertainties, Hasan Alhasan of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain noted: “If the US doesn’t provide it, then someone else will.”
As Trump arrives in Riyadh, global eyes remain fixed on whether this visit will mark a historic turning point in US-Saudi nuclear relations—or deepen the complexities in an already fragile region.
