In an interview with Fox News, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed that if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would feel compelled to follow suit for security reasons, in order to maintain a balance of power.
"The use of nuclear weapons by any country means that it is at war with the whole world. The world does not need another Hiroshima," said the prince.
While Saudi Arabia's preference is not to pursue nuclear weapons, the prince pointed out that Iran's nuclear program leaves them with few alternatives. It's worth noting that Saudi Arabia initially supported the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and advocated for a nuclear-free region. However, in 2011, they reversed their stance, indicating that if neighboring countries obtained nuclear weapons, they would be compelled to do the same.
The crown prince has previously hinted at Saudi Arabia's nuclear ambitions, citing Iran as an example in 2018. Saudi officials have not ruled out the possibility of a future conflict with Iran, with the crown prince calling for international sanctions against Iran for economic and political pressure. As per the U.S. assessments, Iran could potentially develop a nuclear weapon within months if it chooses to do so, with the ability to create special fuel in 12 days. The U.S. government is adamant about preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, as it could grant Israel greater strategic latitude.
Iran has consistently denied any intention to pursue nuclear weapons, a stance supported by international agencies like the IAEA, which have found no evidence of nuclear weapons production in Iran.
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