Opponents warn that a U.S.-Saudi deal could be a step toward the kingdom building an atomic bomb. But there are other reasons for the world's largest oil exporter to diversify its energy mix.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has limited the shipment of diesel, depriving farmers of fuel for irrigation pumps and threatening the food supply.
The price of oil surged nearly 5% on Wednesday as U.S. officials talked down the chance of new peace talks after an 11th straight night of strikes on Iran and with major disruption now facing two of the world's key supply routes.
