Riyadh

US intelligence assesses that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by Gulf News. The assessment highlights Riyadh's ambiguity over its nuclear intentions amid regional tensions, particularly with Iran's nuclear programme advancing. Observers say the finding could complicate US-Saudi relations and ongoing discussions over civilian nuclear cooperation and regional security guarantees.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons. The finding underscores longstanding concerns in Washington and elsewhere that Riyadh could pursue a nuclear weapons option, particularly amid regional rivalry with Iran and questions about the scope of any future US-Saudi civil nuclear cooperation agreement.

Saudi Arabia is signalling that it intends to preserve the option of developing nuclear weapons, according to a news report. The stance underscores long-standing concerns in Riyadh that it cannot fully rely on international security guarantees, particularly given tensions with Iran and questions about US commitments in the region.

Deutsche Welle examines Saudi Arabia's outsized role in the world economy. As the largest OPEC producer, the kingdom's oil output and pricing decisions shape global energy costs, inflation and interest-rate policy worldwide. Attention is also on its Vision 2030 investment drive and sovereign wealth funds, which channel petrodollars into global markets. The piece underscores how shocks or policy shifts in Riyadh ripple through trade, energy and finance far beyond the Gulf region.

A reported nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is drawing scrutiny over whether Riyadh would be permitted to enrich uranium. The question of enrichment rights has long been a sticking point in U.S. nuclear deals with the kingdom, with concerns about non-proliferation commitments and regional implications, particularly for Israel and broader Middle East security.