Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Saudi Arabia Considers Nuclear Weapons to Offset Iran

As a deal to curb Tehran’s nuclear program nears, Iran’s regional rivals feel vulnerable
The nuclear deal that the U.S. and other world powers hope to reach with Iran would put a 10-year curb on the Islamic republic’s nuclear program. For some of Iran’s regional rivals, that is also becoming a deadline for developing nuclear arms of their own. 
The pending deal between Iran and world powers on 
Tehran’s nuclear program and other security issues 
topped the agenda of a summit of Gulf leaders in 
the Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday, at which French 
President François Hollande was a guest of honor. To 
his left is King Salman of Saudi Arabia. 
Photo: European Pressphoto Agency
In Saudi Arabia, there are widespread public calls to match Iran’s nuclear quest. The two other Middle East heavyweights, Turkey and Egypt, could also feel compelled to follow suit, senior Western and Arab officials warn.
Such an arms race would further destabilize what is already the world’s most volatile region, where the risks of a nuclear war would be compounded by the threat of radioactive material falling into the hands of terrorist groups.
Key nuclear facilities in Iran
While Saudi Arabia has long advocated a nuclear-free Middle East, its leaders are doubtful that the completed accord on limiting Tehran’s nuclear program will stop Iran from becoming a threshold nuclear-weapons power when proposed restrictions on is number of centrifuges and uranium stockpiles expire in 10 years. They also aren’t willing to bet that the regime in Tehran will somehow become more moderate and responsible by then, a hope entertained by many in the West.
“We prefer a region without nuclear weapons. But if Iran does it, nothing can prevent us from doing it too, not even the international community,” said Abdullah al Askar, a member and former chairman of the foreign affairs committee of Saudi Arabia’s advisory legislature.
Read the rest of the story HERE and view a related video below:



If you like what you see, please "Like" us on Facebook either here or here. Please follow us on Twitter here.


No comments: