Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warns of nuclear arms race if Iran obtains weapons

In a candid interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a declaration, stating that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia will pursue one as well. The Saudi crown prince expressed deep concern over the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran, emphasising the potential global consequences.

During the interview, MBS remarked, "Well, we are concerned [about] any country getting a nuclear weapon. That's a bad move. You don't need to get a nuclear weapon because you can't use it even if you can get a nuclear weapon."

He went on to argue that should Iran obtain a nuclear weapon and choose to use it, it would quickly find itself at war with the entire world. "The world cannot see another Hiroshima," MBS stated. "If the world sees 100,000 people dead, that means you are in a war with the rest of the world."

Despite calling the development of nuclear weapons a "useless effort," Crown Prince Salman cautioned that Saudi Arabia would feel compelled to pursue such technology if Iran successfully builds or acquires a nuclear warhead. He cited "security reasons" and the need to "balance power in the Middle East" as motivations behind such a move. He, however, added, "But we don't want to see that."

Changing relations and diplomacy

Relations between Riyadh and Tehran have shown signs of thawing since a China-brokered deal in March re-established diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern nations. Crown Prince Salman clarified that Saudi Arabia did not initiate this deal but noted that China chose to act as a mediator.

Following the China deal, US President Joe Biden has been attempting to broker a similar agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, with the aim of normalising relations between these regional powers. MBS expressed optimism about these negotiations and stressed the importance of concessions for Palestinians as part of any framework.

MBS addresses Jamal Khashoggi murder

Regarding the brutal killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, which the CIA reportedly concluded was ordered by the crown prince, Salman stated, "Anyone involved" in the murder is serving time in prison and must "face the law." He said that Saudi Arabia had taken legal measures and implemented reforms within its security system to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Acknowledging that his kingdom has "bad laws" that can lead to death sentences for dissent, MBS asserted that his cabinet is working to reform Saudi Arabia's judicial system according to established protocols.