Trump Administration Advances U.S.–Saudi Civil Nuclear Pact Amid Israeli Alarm

On July 22, the Trump administration announced support for a nuclear energy pact with Riyadh that would permit Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and process spent fuel. The agreement, according to two sources, omits the “gold standard” prohibition on enrichment and the Additional Protocol that provide extra international oversight.

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U.S.–Saudi nuclear cooperation has been discussed for years. Under President Joe Biden, the talks were linked to a broader effort to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Reuters notes that the two issues are now uncoupled, with the nuclear deal proceeding independently of any Israeli-Saudi rapprochement.

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Saudi Arabia, a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), frames the partnership as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan to cut carbon emissions and diversify the economy. The kingdom’s electricity mix remains heavily fossil-fuel based—68 % gas, 32 % oil, with 1.4 million barrels of crude used for power in June 2024—making nuclear power an attractive alternative for desalination and air-conditioning.

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Regional tensions have intensified: Iran has launched strikes against U.S.-aligned facilities, the Houthi movement threatens Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, and Israel fears a potential arms race if Saudi enrichment capabilities expand.

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• Energy mix (2024): 68 % gas, 32 % oil; 1.4 million barrels/day of crude used for power in June.

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• Uranium resources: Saudi Arabia possesses domestic uranium ore reserves, enabling a home-grown fuel cycle.

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• U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States and Saudi Arabia are on “a pathway” to a civil nuclear agreement, emphasizing commercial and strategic benefits.

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• Mohammed Alhamed, founder of the Saudi Elite Group, reiterated that the kingdom’s objective is a peaceful civilian program that enhances energy security and economic diversification.

Newsweek

• Yoel Guzansky, senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, warned that the timing is “awful” given Iran’s ongoing enrichment and that the deal may primarily serve U.S. strategic interests.

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Israeli analysts argue that the absence of the Additional Protocol and the gold-standard safeguards removes critical barriers that prevent diversion of nuclear material to weapons. Levite highlighted the risk that U.S. oversight could evaporate during escalations, leaving Saudi authorities in sole control. Guzansky suggested the agreement may be a tool to keep Saudi Arabia aligned with the United States and away from China, while also delivering revenue to the U.S. nuclear industry.

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• Technology transfer: Reuters reports the pact does not obligate the United States to provide enrichment technology, whereas Saudi officials emphasize civilian intent without clarifying what capabilities will be shared.

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• Safeguard provisions: Both Newsweek and Reuters note the omission of the Additional Protocol, but no official U.S. justification for accepting Saudi refusal of that protocol is provided.

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• Israeli stance: No formal Israeli government position is recorded; concerns are voiced by former officials and analysts, leaving a gap in official diplomatic response.

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• “Saudi Arabia has had opportunities in the past to pursue a military nuclear option but deliberately chose not to do so,” — Mohammed Alhamed

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• “From Washington’s perspective, moving forward with the nuclear agreement reflects a broader strategic calculation by the Trump administration,” — Mohammed Alhamed

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• “The people in the administration, I guess, will tell you, 'Oh, this is how we keep the Saudis close to us and far away from China.' Yeah, perhaps not necessarily,” — Yoel Guzansky

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