US to start talks with Saudis on multi-billon atomic energy deal

The talks led by US Energy Secretary Rick Perry that begin in London Friday will be tough because of the quid pro quo demanded by Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's acquisition of nuclear energy plants from the US may be contingent on restrictions on uranium enrichment and reprocessing. However, Riyadh has indicated that acceptance of curbs on their weaponizing capability would have to be matched by the tightening of the 2015 nuclear deal with its arch-foe Iran, say US officials speaking on condition of anonymity. US diplomats are in fact in talks with Europe to "improve" that deal. However, if the atomic talks with the US fall through, Russia and China are already lining up with offers to build atomic reactors in Saudi Arabia.