Dhaka, Sept. 26 -- US intelligence agencies have assessed that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing a nuclear weapons programme, raising fresh questions about a proposed deal to help Riyadh build a civilian nuclear industry.

The finding, drawn from classified documents shared with Congress and described to The Washington Post by American officials, stops short of saying the kingdom has decided to build a bomb.

Lawmakers, however, fear the deal could hand Riyadh the means to produce weapons-grade nuclear material.

The agreement, announced in July, would allow US companies to pursue nuclear energy projects in Saudi Arabia.

The Donald Trump administration says the partnership will strengthen ties with Riyadh, uphold non-proliferatio...