France, July 22 -- A 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is expected to involve American firms and could allow a uranium enrichment facility on Saudi soil, following a joint US-Saudi study.

The deal must be submitted to Congress for review, where lawmakers fear it could trigger new rounds of proliferation and competition in the region.

Crucially, the agreement is not expected to include the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol, which would allow enhanced monitoring and inspections of Saudi nuclear activities.

"Unprecedented" nuclear deal adopted by Iran's Parliament

Kelsey Davenport, director for non-proliferation policy at the Arms Control Association, warned that with ...