U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking accelerated civil nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, but facing several obstacles.
In parallel, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) is keeping open channels with China and South Korea to pressure Washington to fast-track enrichment rights.
This note explores the U.S.-Saudi nuclear negotiations, including:
- Enrichment clause debate
- Saudi coordination with China and South Korea
- Israeli backchannel talks with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
- Saudi Aramco and PIF discomfort