US Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that the United States is on the cusp of solidifying a transformative energy partnership with Saudi Arabia. This landmark collaboration is poised to pave the way for commercial nuclear development in the Kingdom, with a broader energy cooperation agreement anticipated imminently as President Donald Trump prepares for a significant visit to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking with Al Arabiya News’ Hadley Gamble, Wright confirmed that the US is gearing up to sign a comprehensive energy cooperation deal within weeks, with a specific focus on nuclear energy expected to be finalized 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 noted.
Central to this development is Saudi Arabia’s potential signing of a “123 Agreement” with the United States, a prerequisite under the Atomic Energy Act for any US nuclear cooperation. These agreements are designed to ensure civilian nuclear projects do not contribute to weapons proliferation, providing a legally binding framework for collaboration. “We’ll need a 123 agreement and a broader, specific framework for how we’re going to cooperate,” Wright emphasized.
This move signals a reinvigorated approach by the Trump administration to engage with the Gulf region, reflecting the President’s broader strategic objectives. Wright’s visit to Riyadh and his remarks indicate a deliberate reset in US energy diplomacy, aligning more closely with Saudi interests.
Beyond nuclear, Wright underscored the importance of dialogue across the entire energy spectrum, including oil, natural gas, solar, and energy storage. As the former CEO of Liberty Energy, Wright is well-versed in the intricacies of global energy markets. He provided insights into recent oil price fluctuations, attributing them to market speculations on economic growth. “I’m quite bullish on President Trump’s agenda and what it’ll mean for economic growth, not just in the United States [but] in the world,” he stated.
Wright reassured Saudi audiences about the Kingdom’s economic prospects, predicting robust global demand for energy driven by improved economic agreements and investments. “I think the outlook for Saudi Arabia is quite bright indeed,” he commented, highlighting the mutual benefits of the partnership.
In a pointed critique, Wright contrasted the current administration’s energy policies with those of its predecessor, which he accused of pursuing an anti-hydrocarbon agenda. He called for a balanced energy policy that supports both traditional and renewable sources, promoting energy addition rather than subtraction.
As President Trump prepares to visit Saudi Arabia, expectations are high for deeper strategic alignment and economic engagement with the Gulf. Wright’s comments reflect a renewed focus on fostering strong alliances and promoting energy policies that support global growth. “American partnership is back. It’s stronger,” Wright declared, emphasizing the role of American leadership in driving energy demand and economic development.
