Saudi Arabia Attempts to Broker New Nuclear Deal Amid Iran Concerns

Saudi Arabia is attempting to facilitate a new nuclear agreement between the Trump administration and Iran to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. The rise in Iranian nuclear capability concerns in Riyadh coincides with fears of isolation. Although relations have improved, skepticism persists regarding the sincerity of the negotiations from both Iranian and Saudi perspectives as past agreements have failed.

According to a CNN report, Saudi Arabia is seeking to mediate between the Trump administration and Iran in an effort to formulate a new agreement aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Saudi officials have expressed heightened concerns that Iran may pursue nuclear weapons, particularly following the weakening of Iran’s regional allies, which were previously perceived as a deterrent against potential Israeli actions.

Historically, Saudi Arabia endorsed the 2015 nuclear agreement established between Iran and key global powers but later supported President Trump’s withdrawal from the deal in 2018. In the aftermath of the U.S. exit, a significant drone and missile attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi oil facilities resulted in a halving of production. Despite this aggression, the U.S. refrained from military retaliation, impacting Saudi-Iran relations.

Recently, diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have notably improved, culminating in an agreement brokered by China in March 2023 to restore diplomatic ties. However, there remain apprehensions in Riyadh that Iran may accelerate its nuclear program should it feel isolated, prompting Saudi officials to advocate for a new nuclear agreement as a preventive measure.

Since resuming office, President Trump has consistently called for a renewed accord with Iran, emphasizing the necessity for Tehran to remain non-nuclear. He articulated on social media, “I want Iran to be a great and successful country, but one that cannot have a nuclear weapon. Reports that the United States…is going to blow Iran into smithereens are GREATLY EXAGGERATED.” Trump further stated his preference for a nuclear peace agreement that would foster stability in the region.

Conversely, skepticism exists within the Iranian leadership regarding Trump’s intentions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned Trump’s commitment to a new nuclear deal on Monday, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized U.S. negotiations, labeling them as “not smart, wise, or honorable,” due to prior American withdrawal from the 2015 accord, though he did not entirely dismiss future discussions.

In summary, Saudi Arabia aims to mediate between the U.S. and Iran to establish a new nuclear agreement in light of concerns regarding Iran’s potential nuclear weapons development. Despite improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, skepticism remains on both sides regarding the feasibility of negotiations. President Trump’s calls for a deal reflect ongoing geopolitical complexities related to nuclear proliferation in the region.

Original Source: www.wionews.com