Jordanian media reported this week that the Hashemite Kingdom has signed a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with China as part of an accelerated effort to develop nuclear energy capabilities.

Jordan currently imports nearly all of its energy, being one of the few Middle East nations with little or no oil reserves.

The new deal will see China help Jordan mine and process uranium and build an initial nuclear power station.

The news did raise some concerns from those who noted that Jordan and other "moderate" Middle East states could translate their civilian nuclear capabilities into nuclear weapons programs if they feel threatened by Iran's nuclear program.

In Jordan's case that could prove exceptionally dangerous to Israel in the long-term, as King Abdullah has repeatedly warned that his rule could be threatened by Jordan's far more radical Palestinian majority.