Saudi Arabia's MBS warns if Iran gets nuclear weapons, 'we have to get one'
Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman said that a normalization deal with Israel is getting "closer" as the negotiations continue on a Saudi civilian nuclear program.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned on Wednesday that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, "we have to get one," in the most direct public indication so far that the kingdom will not stand by if Tehran breaks the nuclear weapon threshold.
In a wide-ranging interview with Fox News that aired on Wednesday night, the crown prince widely called MBS said that Israeli-Saudi normalization talks are ongoing and making progress.
The hour-long interview, the first for MBS in English, was designed to address a Western audience. His emphasis on Iran and Israel come as Riyadh is asking Washington for security guarantees to serve as a prerequisite for reaching an agreement with Israel. Saudi Arabia does not have formal diplomatic ties with Israel since the country was established in 1948. Among its requirements is the establishment of a civilian nuclear program on its soil, including uranium enrichment, according to multiple media reports. Riyadh also wants a mutual defense pact with the United States and significant arms deals. Iran and Saudi Arabia, longtime regional foes, agreed to normalize relations in March.
The Saudi crown prince, Bin Salman, says in an interview with the Fox News: If Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, we must obtain one as well. pic.twitter.com/yg9QIJHuGV
— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) September 20, 2023
But Saudi Arabia's strongman also linked any normalization with Israel to a breakthrough on the Palestinian file. "For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part." He didn't specify the scope of such settlement but noted, "We hope that will reach a place, that it will ease the life of the Palestinians, get Israel as a player in the Middle East.”
