The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark agreement to establish a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia, with Washington emphasizing that the deal includes non-proliferation safeguards.

The agreement, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi counterpart Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, consists of two key components: a 'peaceful nuclear cooperation' agreement and a 'bilateral safeguards' pact.

While the text of the deals remains undisclosed, the US Energy Department stated that the agreements lay the legal foundation for a long-term partnership aimed at advancing economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear non-proliferation.

Concerns about Saudi Arabia's potential to convert the program into a weapons development initiative have been raised by US lawmakers and Israeli officials.

The deal, which will be reviewed by Congress, also includes provisions for US companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, though this aspect was not mentioned in the official statement.

The agreement comes amid ongoing tensions with Iran over its nuclear program and reflects Washington's broader efforts to strengthen ties with Riyadh while addressing proliferation risks.