US signs landmark nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia

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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.

"Together, these two agreements lay the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that advances several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear nonproliferation," the statement reads.

The Saudi government also released a statement, saying the deal "represents an extension of existing co-operation between the two countries in the energy sector", and noted that it comes after the Saudi leader visited Washington last November.

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Under the deal, US President Donald Trump has reportedly not required his Saudi counterpart Mohammed bin Salman to give diplomatic recognition to Israel

The announcement comes as fighting escalates between the US and Iran. Saudi Arabia, a longtime US ally, hosts several US bases, which have been targeted by Iranian attacks. It also comes two days after Iran's allies in Yemen, the Houthis, announced a "maritime blockade" against the kingdom.

Specific details of the nuclear deal were not given but earlier media reports , external suggested that, after undertaking a joint study with the US, Saudi Arabia may be allowed to enrich uranium on its soil to produce fuel at a US-built enrichment facility, instead of relying on imported fuel.

This could be worth billions of dollars to the US, whose companies could be involved in building a facility to produce enriched uranium, which can be used as fuel for power plants but also to make nuclear bombs.