Nuclear Arms Race
WASHINGTON: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that his country is steadily moving closer to normalizing relations with Israel. He also warned of nuclear arms race that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon.
According to excerpts from an interview set to air on Wednesday, the crown prince characterized the talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia as progressing every day.
These discussions are central to broader negotiations that encompass US security guarantees, Saudi Arabia’s nuclear aspirations, and potential Israeli concessions to the Palestinians.
When asked about the conditions necessary for a normalization agreement, MBS emphasized the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue, stating that negotiations were ongoing.
MBS expressed concern about the possibility of Iran, a mutual adversary of Saudi Arabia and Israel, obtaining a nuclear weapon. He labeled such a development as a “bad move” and emphasized the need to avoid a global conflict.
Regarding the prospect of Iran acquiring a nuclear bomb, MBS asserted, “If they get one, we have to get one.”
US officials, while acknowledging that any breakthrough is distant, privately underscore the potential advantages of a comprehensive regional deal.
This includes mitigating a potential flashpoint in the Arab-Israeli conflict, bolstering opposition to Iran, and countering China’s influence in the Gulf. Achieving such a deal would also be a foreign policy victory for President Biden as he seeks re-election in November 2024.
The broadcast of the crown prince’s remarks follows a meeting between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
”Mohammad Bin Salman says getting ‘closer’ to Israel normalization”
During the meeting, both leaders pledged to collaborate on advancing Israeli-Saudi normalization, which has the potential to reshape the geopolitics of the Middle East. They also emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
