US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Just Months Away, Says Energy Chief

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) — U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday in Riyadh that the U.S. is close to a landmark energy deal with Saudi Arabia to develop its civil nuclear industry, with a preliminary agreement expected soon.

Wright confirmed that the U.S. plans to sign a broad energy cooperation agreement within weeks, with a nuclear deal expected in the coming months.

“I think in the short run, we’ll sign a broader agreement about cooperation across the energy space, in partnerships, in investments, in investigations. Nuclear is certainly one of those areas,” Wright told Al-Arabiya News.

“To get a specific agreement to partner on commercial nuclear development in Saudi Arabia, that’ll take a little bit longer, that’ll be months, not weeks, but you’re gonna get there. I think it’s likely,” he added.

Wright noted that Saudi Arabia has yet to accept the non-proliferation conditions required under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which includes nine safeguards to prevent nuclear weapons development or material transfer.

“For a U.S. partnership and involvement in nuclear here, there will definitely be a 123 agreement … there’s lots of ways to structure a deal that will accomplish both the Saudi objectives and the American objectives,” he said.

A 123 agreement with Riyadh refers to Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which is required for the U.S. government and American companies to collaborate with Saudi entities on developing a civil nuclear industry.

In the past, talks had stalled over Riyadh’s refusal to rule out uranium enrichment or fuel reprocessing—key steps toward a bomb.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would pursue one as well, raising concerns among arms control advocates and some U.S. lawmakers about a potential civil nuclear deal.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

El Salvador Launches Massive Trial of MS-13 Members Accused of Tens of Thousands of Crimes
El Salvador Launches Massive Trial of MS-13 Members Accused of Tens of Thousands of Crimes

El Salvador has launched one of the largest criminal proceedings in modern history, placing 486 alleged members of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) on trial for a staggering 47,000 combined crimes.

Congressional Approval Hits Historic Low Amid Gridlock, Poll Finds
Congressional Approval Hits Historic Low Amid Gridlock, Poll Finds

American confidence in Congress has plunged to near-record lows, with just 10% of U.S. adults approving of how lawmakers are handling their jobs, according to a new survey from Gallup.

Trump Orders Navy to “Shoot and Kill” Mine-Laying Boats in Strait of Hormuz
Trump Orders Navy to “Shoot and Kill” Mine-Laying Boats in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a stark directive to the U.S. Navy, ordering forces to “shoot and kill” any vessels attempting to lay mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, signaling a sharp escalation in enforcement amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

Evangelist Killed In Uganda After Gospel Outreach, Church Leaders Say
Evangelist Killed In Uganda After Gospel Outreach, Church Leaders Say

Church leaders in central Uganda have expressed shock after an evangelist was reportedly killed following a Gospel outreach event.

Iran’s ‘Internet Pro’ Rollout Seen as Tool of Control, Not Freedom
Iran’s ‘Internet Pro’ Rollout Seen as Tool of Control, Not Freedom

Iran’s Islamic regime is facing growing scrutiny after partially restoring internet access — but only for select groups — raising concerns that the move is less about openness and more about tightening control over information.

Virginia Judge Halts Certification of Controversial Redistricting Referendum as Legal Battles Intensify
Virginia Judge Halts Certification of Controversial Redistricting Referendum as Legal Battles Intensify

A Virginia judge has temporarily blocked the state from certifying the results of a closely contested referendum that would allow Democrats to implement a new congressional map, escalating an already heated legal and political showdown over redistricting in the state.

DOJ Indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on Fraud, Money Laundering Charges Amid Broader Scrutiny
DOJ Indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on Fraud, Money Laundering Charges Amid Broader Scrutiny

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a sweeping federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, charging the nonprofit with fraud, money laundering, and deceptive financial practices in what officials describe as a long-running scheme involving extremist groups and donor funds.