Jordan yesterday became the latest Middle East state to announce it is looking at the possibility of creating a civil nuclear programme. King Abdullah told Israel's Ha'aretz newspaper the changing political climate in the region had prompted him to consider alternative energy means.

"The Egyptians are looking for a nuclear programme. The GCC [Gulf Co-operation Council] are looking at one and we are actually looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes. We've been discussing it with the west," he said.