Recent developments in West Asia have led Saudi Arabia to embark on a strategic review that includes acquiring nuclear weapons, says The Guardian.

According to the British newspaper,  'this new threat of proliferation in one of the most dangerous regions of the world comes on top of a crisis over Iran's alleged nuclear programme.  A strategy paper being considered at the highest levels in Riyadh sets out three options:  To acquire a nuclear capability as a deterrent;  to maintain or enter into an alliance with an existing nuclear power that would offer protection, or to try to reach a regional agreement on having a nuclear-free Middle East.'

Until now, the newspaper said, 'the assumption in Washington was that Saudi Arabia was content to remain under the US nuclear umbrella. But the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US has steadily worsened since the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington: 15 of the 19 attackers were Saudi.'

While it is not known whether any decision has been taken on any of the three options, 'the fact that it is prepared to contemplate the nuclear option is a worrying development,' The Guardian said.

Quoting UN and nuclear weapons analysts, the newspaper said the Saudi review reflected profound insecurities 'generated by the volatility in the Middle East, Riyadh's estrangement with Washington and the weakening of its reliance on the US nuclear umbrella.'

Saudi Arabia is concerned over an Iranain nuclear weapons programme and the complete lack of international pressure on Israel, said to have 200 nuclear devices. It is also worried about a string of apparent leaks in American papers from the US administration critical of Saudi Arabia, said the daily.

It quoted David Albright, director of the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington thinktank, as saying he doubted whether the Saudis would try to build a nuclear bomb, preferring instead to try to buy a nuclear warhead. They would be the first of the world's eight or nine nuclear powers to have bought rather than built the bomb.

"There has always been worries that the Saudis would go down this path if provoked," said Mr Albright. "There is growing US hostility which could lead to the removal of the US umbrella and will the Saudis be intimidated by Iran? They've got to be nervous."

Four years ago, Saudi Arabia sent a defence team to Pakistan to tour its secret nuclear facilities and to be briefed by Abdul Qader Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb.

A UN official said: "There's obviously a lot of restlessness in the Middle East. Regional insecurity tends to produce a quest for a nuclear umbrella. The Saudis have the money and could provide it to Pakistan."

However, Albright said  he doubted whether anyone would sell.

On Monday, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to explore possibilities of cooperation in the areas of science and technology and higher education.

And on Wednesday, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon claimed Islamic charities linked to Hamas in the West Bank and Gaza receive about $14 million a year from Saudi Arabia, and that much of the money comes from Saudi charities that are controlled by the Saudi government. But US  Treasury Secretary John Snow said Saudi Arabia is a strong partner in the fight against terror and that 'significant progress' has been made in halting the cash flow to terrorists.