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U.S.–Saudi Partnership Pivots From Oil to Atoms and Minerals

The focus shifts to nuclear energy plus critical minerals in a bid to recast ties for long-term industrial cooperation.

Overview

  • Washington designated Saudi Arabia a Major Non‑NATO Ally and signed a defense pact that deepens military cooperation as talks over advanced fighter sales remain unresolved.
  • A civil nuclear cooperation framework was announced, but a formal U.S. 123 Agreement governing enrichment limits and inspections has yet to be finalized.
  • A new critical minerals framework targets a Western‑aligned rare earths supply chain, with a potential joint refinery involving Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden under discussion.
  • About $1 trillion in investments were pledged across defense, energy, semiconductors, and AI as part of a broader two‑way economic partnership tied to Vision 2030.
  • Riyadh continues to link any move toward normalization with Israel to a credible path to Palestinian statehood.