Washington and Riyadh ink pact on peaceful nuclear power programme

Washington and Riyadh have formalised a major pact that lets the Gulf state build a civil nuclear power programme. American firms stand to gain from the arrangement, yet unease persists about whether the kingdom might later gain the capacity to enrich uranium.

Analysts caution that the step could heighten the chance of nuclear spread across the Middle East. Officials in both capitals insist the accord embeds protections meant to keep cooperation peaceful and to uphold nonproliferation goals.