Expectations of peaceful nuclear cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States
US Interior Secretary Doug Bergm predicted that the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia would reach an agreement on peaceful nuclear cooperation, coinciding with the anticipated visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States on November 18.
Intensive talks and anticipated results
On the sidelines of his participation in the Manama Dialogue 2025 in the Bahraini capital, Bergm noted the continuation of intensive talks with Saudi officials, predicting “a lot of activity” before the Crown Prince’s visit to Washington, and expressed optimism that “big announcements” were imminent.
Bergm did not rule out the possibility of an agreement on peaceful nuclear cooperation between the two countries being signed during the upcoming talks between Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince. The Kingdom insists its nuclear program is for purely peaceful purposes, but has indicated its readiness to develop nuclear weapons if any regional power does so.
Aspirations for defense cooperation
Newsweek magazine revealed ongoing negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Trump administration regarding a defense treaty that would obligate the United States to consider any attack on Saudi Arabia a threat to its own security. The Financial Times reported that the agreement would strengthen military and intelligence cooperation between the two countries, significantly impacting regional stability and the US's global strategic position.
These negotiations come within the framework of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision, which prioritizes security treaties, while Washington sees them as strengthening its presence in the Gulf in the face of the growing influence of China and Russia.
Regional and strategic implications
The issue of a defense treaty and nuclear cooperation could also affect efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made progress on the path to an independent Palestinian state a prerequisite. Observers expect the Saudi-American agreement to be comprehensive, including intelligence sharing and joint defense planning.
A senior official in the Trump administration indicated that talks were underway regarding the signing of an agreement during the Saudi Crown Prince's visit, while the US State Department described defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia as "a solid foundation for our regional strategy.".
Strengthening Saudi-American relations
The defense treaty is expected to shift US policy toward the region, strengthening the traditional security relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who visited the United States in 2018, enjoys a good relationship with President Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Saudi reforms.
Large arms deals between the two countries, such as the $142 billion deal during Trump’s first term, are a testament to the depth of their relationship. Newsweek anticipates an increase in the pace of talks between Riyadh and Washington as the Crown Prince’s visit approaches, with a focus on strengthening US military commitments to Gulf security.
It is worth noting that the Kingdom began its contacts with Washington regarding defense cooperation during the administration of former President Joe Biden, and Bergm describes the current relations as being at a “sensitive stage” as the Crown Prince’s visit approaches.
New investment opportunities
Western newspapers predicted that the potential agreement would include a commitment from Riyadh to direct Aramco to make huge investments in the United States, which would strengthen economic ties between the two countries, in addition to defense and security cooperation.
