The United States has reversed its earlier backing of a civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, a shift that comes as a new poll finds only 29% of respondents expect Iranian reconstruction funding to be part of a US-Iran agreement by 2026. The move signals a recalibration of Washington's approach to nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Why the reversal matters
The administration had previously signaled openness to helping Saudi Arabia develop nuclear power, provided strict safeguards were in place. That position has now been withdrawn. Officials have not publicly detailed the reasons, but the change aligns with broader concerns about a regional nuclear arms race and the potential for enrichment technology to be diverted for weapons use.
Saudi Arabia has long argued it needs nuclear energy to diversify its economy away from oil. But critics in Washington and among US allies worry that without a binding commitment to forgo enrichment and reprocessing, any deal could set a precedent that undermines the global nonproliferation regime.
Poll points to dim view of Iran deal prospects
Separately, a survey gauging expectations for a future US-Iran agreement found that only 29% of respondents believe reconstruction funding for Iran will be part of such a deal by 2026. The figure suggests widespread skepticism that the two countries can reach a comprehensive accord that includes financial support for rebuilding Iran's infrastructure.
The poll did not specify which group of respondents was surveyed, but the result underscores the difficulty of reviving nuclear diplomacy with Tehran. Previous negotiations collapsed over disagreements on enrichment levels, sanctions relief, and regional activities. Reconstruction funding, often a sticking point in past talks, appears to have even less support now.
The reversal on Saudi nuclear cooperation leaves Riyadh with few clear options. The kingdom has explored other partnerships, including with China and Russia, but those come with their own proliferation risks. Washington's decision may push Saudi Arabia to accelerate its own enrichment program, a move that would further complicate regional stability.
On the Iran front, the low confidence in reconstruction funding suggests that any future deal will likely be narrower in scope. The Biden administration has focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon rather than on broader economic engagement. Whether the US can secure a limited agreement before 2026 remains an open question.
