US to announce deal allowing Saudi Arabia a nuclear programme, reports say
The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a nuclear cooperation agreement to facilitate a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom. The deal has raised concerns among experts regarding potential nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Why it matters
This agreement significantly alters the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and impacts global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
Figure caption, Watch: What we know about the US-Saudi nuclear deal
The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark deal that will reportedly allow the Gulf kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme.
The deal is described as a "peaceful nuclear co-operation agreement" that will provide "great access for American companies in the Saudi nuclear energy program", according to the US energy department.
Text from the deal was not made public, but US media have reported that it could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium in the future - which can be used as fuel for power plants, but also to make nuclear bombs.
Experts say that would mark a first for the US and could run the risk of future nuclear proliferation in an already unstable region.
The US Department of Energy noted that along with the co-operation deal, a "bilateral safeguards agreement" was also signed.
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