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| − | {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2012}} | + | {{concept |
| − | [[Image:Saudi Arabia map.png|thumb|right]]
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| − | '''[[Saudi Arabia]]''' is not known to have a '''[[nuclear weapons]] program'''. From an official and public standpoint, Saudi Arabia has been an opponent of nuclear weapons in the [[Middle East]], having signed the [[Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons]], and is a member of the coalition of countries demanding a [[Nuclear-weapon-free zone]] in the Middle East.<ref>[http://disarmament.un.org/TreatyStatus.nsf/NPT%20(in%20alphabetical%20order)?OpenView&Start=1.145 Parties to the NPT]</ref><ref name="nti.org">Akaki Dvali. Center for Nonproliferation Studies (nti.org) (March 2004). ''[http://www.nti.org/e_research/e3_40a.html Will Saudi Arabia Acquire Nuclear Weapons?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210020335/http://www.nti.org/e_research/e3_40a.html |date=10 February 2007 }}''; Arnaud de Borchgrave. ''Washington Times'' (22 October 2003)</ref> Studies of nuclear proliferation have not identified Saudi Arabia as a country of concern.<ref>Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), US Congress, ''Technologies Underlying Weapons of Mass Destruction'' (Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, 12/93), p. 239</ref>
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| − | | + | |wikipedia=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_program_of_Saudi_Arabia |
| − | {{Weapons of mass destruction}}
| + | }} |
| − | | + | Publicly [[Saudi Arabia]] does not acknowledge to have a [[nuclear weapons]] program. There have been reports of Saudi Arabia's intent to purchase nuclear weapons. In 2003, a leaked strategy paper laid out three possible options for the Saudi government: to acquire a [[nuclear deterrent]], to ally with and become protected by an existing nuclear nation, or to try to reach agreement on having a nuclear-free [[Middle East]]. |
| − | However, over the years there have been media reports of Saudi Arabia's intent to purchase a nuclear weapon from an outside source. In 2003, a leaked strategy paper laid out three possible options for the Saudi government: to acquire a nuclear deterrent, to ally with and become protected by an existing nuclear nation, or to try to reach agreement on having a nuclear-free Middle East. UN officials and weapon specialists have suggested this review was prompted by a distancing of relations with the US, concerns over Iran's nuclear program, and the lack of international pressure on Israel to give up its nuclear weapons.<ref>''The Guardian'' (18 September 2003). ''[https://www.theguardian.com/saudi/story/0,11599,1044402,00.html Saudis consider nuclear bomb]''</ref>
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| − | ==Nuclear deal with United States ==
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| − | In 2008 of May, the [[United States]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] signed a [[memorandum of understanding]], as part of the United States' vintage [[Atoms for Peace]] program, to boost Saudi efforts for a civilian nuclear program. This program did not involve support for development of nuclear weapons.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080516.wsaudioil0516/BNStory/Business |title=reportonbusiness.com: Purchase this article<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218160252/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080516.wsaudioil0516/BNStory/Business |archive-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="MeshkatiHuffPost">{{cite web | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/najmedin-meshkati/atoms-for-peace-in-the-pe_b_4552716.html | title=Atoms for Peace in the Persian Gulf: The Vital Byproduct of P5+1 Nuclear Agreement With Iran | publisher=TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc | date=1 January 2014 | accessdate=14 January 2016 | author=Meshkati, Najmedin | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310121052/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/najmedin-meshkati/atoms-for-peace-in-the-pe_b_4552716.html | archive-date=10 March 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
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| | ==Pakistan's involvement== | | ==Pakistan's involvement== |
| − | {{Main|Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations|Science in Pakistan}}
| + | It is widely believed that Saudi Arabia has been a major financier of [[Pakistan]]'s own integrated atomic bomb project since 1974, a programme founded by former [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|prime minister]] [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]].<ref name="Brookings Inc.">https://web.archive.org/web/20120205150154/http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2008/0128_saudi_arabia_riedel.aspx</ref><ref name="The Australian''">https://web.archive.org/web/20120210201716/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/saudi-arabia-to-acquire-nuclear-weapons-to-counter-iran/story-fnb64oi6-1226268171576 The Australian (originally from The Times)</ref> In the 1980s, Chief Martial Law Administrator and [[President of Pakistan|President]] General [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq|Zia-ul-Haq]] paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia where he unofficially told the King that: "Our achievements are yours".<ref name="Brookings Inc."/> Since 1998, Western diplomats and intelligence agencies have long believed that an agreement exists in which Pakistan would sell Saudi Arabia nuclear warheads and its own nuclear technology should security in the Persian Gulf deteriorate.<ref name="The Australian''"/> |
| − | Historically, [[Pakistan]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] have had a cordial [[Special relationship (international relations)|relationship]].<ref name="Brookings Inc.">{{cite web|last=Bruce Riedel|title=Saudi Arabia: Nervously Watching Pakistan: For the Saudi Arabia Kingdom, Pakistan remains a unique partner|url=http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2008/0128_saudi_arabia_riedel.aspx|work=Brookings 1775 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20036|publisher=Brookings Inc.|accessdate=14 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205150154/http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2008/0128_saudi_arabia_riedel.aspx|archive-date=5 February 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Pakistani political scientists and historians have noted that Saudi interest in nuclear technology began in the 1970s after [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|Prime Minister]] [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]] convened a meeting of Pakistan's leading theoretical physicists (who went on to join the [[King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals]]) with the [[Government of Saudi Arabia|Saudi royal government]] during a visit by the [[Saudi royal family]] to Pakistan in 1974 as part of the [[Organization of Islamic Conference|2nd OIC conference at Lahore]]. At this meeting, Bhutto noted the advances made in the [[Israeli nuclear program|Israeli]] and the [[Indian nuclear programme]]s, which he took as attempts to intimidate the [[Muslim world]].<ref name="Brookings Inc."/>
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| − | It is widely believed that Saudi Arabia has been a major financier of Pakistan's own integrated [[Pakistan and its Nuclear Deterrent Program|atomic bomb project]] since 1974, a programme founded by former [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|prime minister]] [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]].<ref name="Brookings Inc."/><ref name="The Australian'' (originally from ''The Times">{{cite news|last=Tomlinson|first=Hugh|title=Saudi Arabia to acquire nuclear weapons to counter Iran|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/saudi-arabia-to-acquire-nuclear-weapons-to-counter-iran/story-fnb64oi6-1226268171576|accessdate=11 February 2012|newspaper=The Australian (originally from The Times|date=11 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210201716/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/saudi-arabia-to-acquire-nuclear-weapons-to-counter-iran/story-fnb64oi6-1226268171576|archive-date=10 February 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the 1980s, Chief Martial Law Administrator and [[President of Pakistan|President]] General [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq|Zia-ul-Haq]] paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia where he unofficially told the King that: "Our achievements are yours".<ref name="Brookings Inc."/> This cooperation was allegedly furthered by socialist prime minister [[Benazir Bhutto]] in 1995. In 1998, the conservative [[Prime minister of Pakistan|Prime minister]] [[Nawaz Sharif]] informed Saudi Arabia confidentially before ordering the nuclear tests (see ''[[Chagai-I]]'' and ''[[Chagai-II]]'') in the [[Ras Koh Hills|Weapon-testing labs-III]] (WTL) located in the [[Chagai Hills|Chagai remote site]] in [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan Province]] of Pakistan.<ref name="Brookings Inc."/> In June 1998, the Prime Minister paid a farewell visit to [[King Fahd]] and publicly thanked the Saudi government for supporting the country after the tests.<ref name="Brookings Inc."/> Shortly thereafter, [[Minister of Defense|Saudi Minister of Defense]] [[Sultan, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia|Prince Sultan]] went with Prime Minister Sharif on a tour of a classified institute, the [[Kahuta Research Laboratories]] (KRL), where leading scientist [[Abdul Qadeer Khan]] briefed the Prince and Prime Minister Sharif on nuclear physics and sensitive issues involving nuclear explosive devices.<ref name="Brookings Inc."/> | |
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| − | Since 1998, [[Western world|Western]] diplomats and intelligence agencies have long believed that an agreement exists in which Pakistan would sell Saudi Arabia nuclear warheads and its own [[nuclear technology]] should security in the [[Persian Gulf]] deteriorate. Both countries have sharply denied the existence of such an agreement.<ref name="The Australian'' (originally from ''The Times"/> In 2003, globalsecurity.org reported that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had entered a secret agreement on nuclear cooperation providing Saudi Arabia with nuclear weapons technology in return for access to cheap [[Petroleum|oil]] for Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2003/031022-pakistan_saudi-arabia.htm |title=Pakistan, Saudi Arabia in secret nuke pact<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=17 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513194353/http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2003/031022-pakistan_saudi-arabia.htm |archive-date=13 May 2007 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | |
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| − | In March 2006, the [[Germany|German]] magazine ''[[Cicero (magazine)|Cicero]]'' reported that Saudi Arabia had, since 2003, received assistance from Pakistan to acquire nuclear missiles and warheads. Satellite photos allegedly reveal an underground city with nuclear silos containing [[Ghauri (strategic ballistic missile system)|Ghauri]] rockets in [[As Sulayyil|Al-Sulaiyil]], south of the capital [[Riyadh]].<ref>"Saudia [sic] Arabia working on secret nuclear program with Pakistan help– report", ''Forbes, from AFX News'' [https://web.archive.org/web/20120115022055/http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2006/03/28/afx2629000.html (March 28 2006).]</ref> Pakistan has denied aiding Saudi Arabia in its nuclear ambitions. | + | In 2010, in a statement issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia, ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan was quoted as saying that: "Pakistan considers the security of Saudi Arabia not just as a diplomatic or an internal matter but as a personal matter."<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120213030211/http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/10/10369793-report-saudi-arabia-to-buy-nukes-if-iran-tests-a-bomb</ref> |
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| − | '''<big>Israeli-Saudi's nuclear collaboration</big>'''
| + | ==Israeli-Saudi's nuclear collaboration== |
| − | | + | Western security agencies believe that Israel is selling nuclear information to Saudi Arabia. According to Israeli writer Ami Dor-on, such information will give the government in Riyadh nuclear weapons capabilities.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180720225439/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180531-israel-is-selling-nuclear-information-to-saudi-arabia/</ref> |
| − | Western security agencies believe that Israel is selling nuclear information to Saudi Arabia, ''Arabi21'' has reported. According to Israeli writer Ami Dor-on, such information will give the government in Riyadh nuclear weapons capabilities. Writing on the ''News One'' website, Dor-on said that the joint intention is to make sure that Iran will not be the only country in the region that possesses such weapons which threaten the security and safety of the Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180531-israel-is-selling-nuclear-information-to-saudi-arabia/|title=Israel ‘is selling nuclear information’ to Saudi Arabia|date=2018-05-31|work=Middle East Monitor|access-date=2018-07-20|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720225439/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180531-israel-is-selling-nuclear-information-to-saudi-arabia/|archive-date=20 July 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | |
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| − | According to Dor-on, Israel is aware that Saudis would eventually make the move for developing nuclear weapons and want to make sure they would not go to other regional players such as Pakistan to obtain the know-how.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.awdnews.com/index/israel-selling-nuclear-information-to-saudi-israeli-expert/|title=Israel 'selling nuclear information' to Saudi: Israeli expert - AWDnews|website=www.awdnews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721014159/http://www.awdnews.com/index/israel-selling-nuclear-information-to-saudi-israeli-expert/|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
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| − | ==Chinese-Saudi atomic collaboration==
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| − | {{Main|Sino-Arab relations|People's Republic of China–Saudi Arabia relations|Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations}}
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| − | In January 2012, [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Chinese Premier]] [[Wen Jiabao]] signed a mutual cooperation deal on nuclear energy with [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]], during Premier Jiabao's visit to the [[Middle East]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Daily star, Reuters|title=Saudi Arabia, China sign nuclear cooperation deal|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jan-16/160011-saudi-arabia-china-sign-nuclear-cooperation-deal.ashx#axzz1m3F0T5LC|accessdate=11 February 2012|newspaper=Daily star, Reuters|date=16 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119070731/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jan-16/160011-saudi-arabia-china-sign-nuclear-cooperation-deal.ashx#axzz1m3F0T5LC|archive-date=19 January 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="The Arab news, GEO TV, Jang News Group, The News Internationals">{{cite news|last=Ghazanfar Ali Khan|title=Kingdom, China ink nuclear cooperation pact|url=http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article563797.ece|accessdate=11 February 2012|newspaper=The Arab news, GEO TV, Jang News Group, The News Internationals|date=16 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208145520/http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article563797.ece|archive-date=8 February 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The details of such cooperation were not fully provided by the government-controlled [[Saudi Press Agency]], but according to Hashim Yamani, president of the [[King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy]], the kingdom has planned 16 commercial nuclear power reactors by 2030.<ref name="Nuclear Threat Initiative, NTI">{{cite web|last=NTI|first=Nuclear Threat Initiative|title=Back to Global Security Newswire Home About Global Security Newswire Contact Us China, Saudi Arabia Ink Atomic Collaboration Deal|url=http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/china-saudi-arabia-ink-atomic-trade-deal/|work=The NTI|publisher=Nuclear Threat Initiative, NTI|accessdate=11 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213105249/http://www.nti.org/gsn/article/china-saudi-arabia-ink-atomic-trade-deal/|archive-date=13 February 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
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| | ==Saudi financing of Iraqi nuclear program== | | ==Saudi financing of Iraqi nuclear program== |
| − | In 1994, [[Mohammed al Khilewi]], second-in-command of the Saudi mission to the [[United Nations]], applied for [[Right of asylum|asylum]] in the [[United States]]. He provided a packet of 10,000 documents{{Citation needed|date=December 2007}} that allegedly described long-time Saudi support of the [[Iraq and weapons of mass destruction|Iraqi nuclear weapons program]]. According to these documents, during [[Saddam Hussein]]'s administration in [[Iraq]] the Saudis supported the Iraqi nuclear program with $5 billion, on the condition that workable nuclear technology and possibly even nuclear weapons would be transferred to Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/saudi/index.html |title=Saudi Arabia Special Weapons<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=17 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518062207/http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/saudi/index.html |archive-date=18 May 2007 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Khilewi obtained asylum in the US, with the consent of Saudi Arabia. Khilewi's allegations have not been confirmed by any other source. US officials have stated that they have no evidence of Saudi assistance to Iraqi nuclear development.<ref>http://cns.miis.edu/research/wmdme/saudi.htm#1 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511155802/http://cns.miis.edu/research/wmdme/saudi.htm#1 |date=11 May 2008 }} Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies</ref> Saudi officials denied the allegations.<ref name="nti.org"/> | + | In 1994, [[Mohammed al Khilewi]], second-in-command of the Saudi mission to the [[United Nations]], applied for [[Right of asylum|asylum]] in the [[United States]]. He provided a packet of 10,000 documents{{CN}} that allegedly described long-time Saudi support of the [[Iraq and weapons of mass destruction|Iraqi nuclear weapons program]].<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20070518062207/http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/saudi/index.html</ref> Senior [[Clinton]] administration officials responsible for Mideast affairs said they found nothing in Khilewi's debriefings to back up the Media reports about a Saudi nuclear program. |
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| − | Senior [[Presidency of Bill Clinton|Clinton administration]] officials responsible for Mideast affairs at the time Khilewi sought asylum, including [[Robert Pelletreau]] of the [[United States Department of State|State Department]] and [[Bruce Riedel]] of the [[United States National Security Council|National Security Council]], said they found nothing in Khilewi's debriefings to back up the Media reports about a Saudi nuclear program. "There was nothing there," Pelletreau said. (Vartan 2005) | |
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| − | ==Nuclear sharing with Arab States of the Persian Gulf nuclear programs==
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| − | {{Main|Nuclear sharing}}
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| − | The [[Arab States of the Persian Gulf]] plan to start their own joint civilian nuclear program. An agreement in the final days of the [[George W. Bush|Bush]] administration provided for cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America in which the United States would sell the UAE nuclear reactors and nuclear fuel. The UAE would, in return, renounce their right to enrich uranium for their civilian nuclear program. At the time of signing, this agreement was touted as a way to reduce risks of [[nuclear proliferation]] in the Persian Gulf. However, Mustafa Alani of the [[Dubai]]-based [[Gulf Research Center]] stated that, should the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty collapse, nuclear reactors such as those slated to be sold to the UAE under this agreement could provide the UAE with a path toward a nuclear weapon, raising the specter of further nuclear proliferation.<ref name="AP on UAE nuclear pact">{{cite web |url= http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Jan21/0,4675,MLMideastUSNuclear,00.html |title=US-UAE nuclear energy pact has messages for Iran |publisher= Associated Press |date=21 January 2009 |accessdate= 10 Sep 2014 |author= Dareini, Ali Akbar |page=1 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140911012422/http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Jan21/0,4675,MLMideastUSNuclear,00.html |archive-date= 11 September 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In March 2007, foreign ministers of the six-member [[Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf|Gulf Cooperation Council]] met in Saudi Arabia to discuss progress in plans agreed in December 2006, for a joint civilian nuclear program.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0521283720070305 |title=Saudi defends Gulf Arab atom plans, criticizes Iran {{!}} International {{!}} Reuters |access-date=2 July 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070307091257/http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0521283720070305 |archive-date=7 March 2007 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
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| − | ==Recent developments==
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| − | In 2011, Prince [[Turki al-Faisal]], who has served as the Saudi intelligence chief and as ambassador to the United States has
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| − | suggested that the kingdom might consider producing nuclear weapons if it found itself between the atomic arsenals of Iran and Israel.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-may-seek-nuclear-weapons-prince-says.html |work=The New York Times |title=Saudi Arabia May Seek Nuclear Weapons, Prince Says |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170417135751/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-may-seek-nuclear-weapons-prince-says.html |archive-date= 17 April 2017 |url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> In 2012, it was confirmed that Saudi Arabia would launch its own nuclear weapons program immediately if Iran successfully developed nuclear weapons. In such an eventuality, Saudi Arabia would start work on a new ballistic missile platform, purchase nuclear warheads from overseas and aim to source uranium to develop weapons-grade material.
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| − | Officials in the U.S. alliance believe Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have an understanding in which [[Islamabad]] would supply the kingdom with warheads if security in the Persian Gulf was threatened. A U.S. official told ''[[The Times]]'' that Riyadh could have the nuclear warheads in a matter of days of approaching Islamabad. Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Naeem Khan, was quoted as saying that "Pakistan considers the security of Saudi Arabia not just as a diplomatic or an internal matter but as a personal matter." Naeem also said that the Saudi leadership considered Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to be one country. Any threat to Saudi Arabia is also a threat to Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/10/10369793-report-saudi-arabia-to-buy-nukes-if-iran-tests-a-bomb |title={title} |access-date=10 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213030211/http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/10/10369793-report-saudi-arabia-to-buy-nukes-if-iran-tests-a-bomb |archive-date=13 February 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Other vendors were also likely to enter into a bidding war if Riyadh indicated that it was seeking nuclear warheads. Both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have denied the existence of any such agreement.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/10/saudi-arabia-threatens-to-go-nuclear-if-iran-does/ | work=Fox News | title=Saudi Arabia threatens to go nuclear if Iran does | date=10 February 2012 | access-date=16 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216122207/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/10/saudi-arabia-threatens-to-go-nuclear-if-iran-does/ | archive-date=16 February 2012 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Western intelligence sources have told ''[[The Guardian]]'' that the Saudi monarchy has paid for up to 60% of the Pakistan's atomic bomb projects and in return has the option to buy five to six nuclear warheads off the shelf.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/julian-borger-global-security-blog/2010/may/11/pakistan-saudiarabia | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Julian | last=Borger | title=Pakistan's bomb and Saudi Arabia | date=11 May 2010 | access-date=15 December 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313131030/https://www.theguardian.com/world/julian-borger-global-security-blog/2010/may/11/pakistan-saudiarabia | archive-date=13 March 2017 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
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| − | ===2013 revelations===
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| − | In November 2013, a variety of sources told [[Newsnight|BBC Newsnight]] that Saudi Arabia had invested in [[Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction|Pakistani nuclear weapons projects]] and believes it could obtain nuclear bombs at will. Earlier in the year, a senior [[NATO]] decision maker told [[Mark Urban]], a senior diplomatic and defense editor, that he had seen intelligence reporting that nuclear weapons made in Pakistan on behalf of Saudi Arabia are now sitting ready for delivery. In October 2013, [[Amos Yadlin]], a former head of [[Military Intelligence Directorate (Israel)|Israeli military intelligence]], told a conference in [[Sweden]] that if [[Nuclear program of Iran|Iran]] got the bomb, "the Saudis will not wait one month. They already paid for the bomb, they will go to Pakistan and bring what they need to bring." Since 2009, when [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]] of Saudi Arabia warned visiting US special envoy to the Middle East Dennis Ross that if Iran crossed the threshold, "we will get nuclear weapons", the kingdom has sent the Americans numerous signals of its intentions. Gary Samore, who until March 2013 was President Barack Obama's counter-proliferation adviser, told [[Newsnight|BBC Newsnight]]: "I do think that the Saudis believe that they have some understanding with Pakistan that, in extremis, they would have claim to acquire nuclear weapons from Pakistan."<ref name=bbc-20131106>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24823846 |title=Saudi nuclear weapons 'on order' from Pakistan |author=Mark Urban |publisher=BBC |date=6 November 2013 |accessdate=7 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107025033/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24823846 |archive-date=7 November 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
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| | + | ==2013== |
| | + | In November 2013, a variety of sources told [[BBC]] Newsnight that Saudi Arabia had invested in Pakistans nuclear weapons projects and believes it could obtain nuclear bombs at will. Earlier in the year, a senior [[NATO]] decision maker told [[Mark Urban]] that he had seen intelligence reporting that nuclear weapons made in Pakistan on behalf of Saudi Arabia are now sitting ready for delivery.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20131107025033/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24823846</ref> |
| | ===Response=== | | ===Response=== |
| − | According to the US based think-tank, the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]], the BBC report on possible [[nuclear sharing]] between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is partially incorrect. There is no indication of the validity or credibility of the BBC’s sources, nor does the article expand on what essentially constitutes an unverified lead. It noted that if Pakistan were to transfer nuclear warheads onto Saudi soil, it is highly unlikely that either nation would face any international repercussions if both nations were to follow strict nuclear sharing guidelines similar to that of [[NATO]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://poniforum.csis.org/blog/no-price-is-right-why-the-bbc-is-incorrect-about-a-saudi-arabia-p |title={title} |access-date=19 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205353/http://poniforum.csis.org/blog/no-price-is-right-why-the-bbc-is-incorrect-about-a-saudi-arabia-p |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A research paper produced by the [[British House of Commons]] [[Defence Select Committee]] states that as long as current NATO nuclear sharing arrangements remain in place, NATO states would have few valid grounds for complaint if such a transfer were to occur.<ref>{{cite report |page=Ev 80 |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmdfence/111/111.pdf#page=208 |title=The future of NATO and European defence |work=Defence Select Committee |publisher=UK Parliament |date=4 March 2008 |accessdate=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208040212/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmdfence/111/111.pdf#page=208 |archivedate=8 February 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| + | A US based [[think-tank]], the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]], questions validity and/or credibility of the BBC’s sources.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205353/http://poniforum.csis.org/blog/no-price-is-right-why-the-bbc-is-incorrect-about-a-saudi-arabia-p</ref> |
| | | | |
| − | ===2015===
| + | ==2015== |
| − | In May 2015, in response to The Sunday Times of London report that the Saudis had "taken the 'strategic decision' to acquire 'off-the-shelf' atomic weapons from Pakistan," amid growing fears of a nuclear-armed Iran,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Middle_East/article1557090.ece |title={title} |access-date=20 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522014241/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Middle_East/article1557090.ece |archive-date=22 May 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> a Saudi defense official dismissed it as speculation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/19/world/saudi-pakistan-nuclear-report/ |title={title} |access-date=20 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522030914/http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/19/world/saudi-pakistan-nuclear-report |archive-date=22 May 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| + | [[The Sunday Times of London]] publishes an article along similar lines as Mark Urban in 2013.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20150522014241/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Middle_East/article1557090.ece</ref> |
| | | | |
| | ==Missile capability== | | ==Missile capability== |
| − | {{Main|Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force}}
| + | In 1987, Saudi Arabia purchased Chinese-made intermediate-range ballistic missiles<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20170913185022/http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/01/30/why-did-saudi-arabia-buy-chinese-missiles</ref> designed and used by the Chinese as a nuclear-armed missile, but reportedly sold to Saudi Arabia with conventional high-explosive warheads. However their low circular error probable accuracy (1–1.5 km) makes them unsuitable for effective military use against military targets when carrying a conventional warhead.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171821/https://fas.org/nuke/guide/china/theater/df-3a.htm</ref> The CSS-2 has a range of 4,8 km. These missiles were delivered with between 35 and 50 transporter erector launcher trucks.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20080524155801/http://www.missilethreat.com/missilesoftheworld/id.3/missile_detail.asp</ref> These missiles were the first weapons of the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force, a separate branch of Saudi Arabia's armed forces. In 2013 the existence of the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force was officially announced.<ref>[https://www.webcitation.org/6LPf5iiqJ?url=http://saudied.com/%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AC-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%B2-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88/ Original source in Arabic]</ref> |
| − | In 1987, Saudi Arabia purchased Chinese-made [[DF-3A|CSS-2]] [[intermediate-range ballistic missile]]s<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2014/01/30/why-did-saudi-arabia-buy-chinese-missiles/ |title={title} |access-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913185022/http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/01/30/why-did-saudi-arabia-buy-chinese-missiles/ |archive-date=13 September 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> designed and used by the Chinese as a nuclear-armed missile, but reportedly sold to Saudi Arabia with conventional high-explosive warheads. However their low [[circular error probable]] accuracy (1–1.5 km) makes them unsuitable for effective military use against military targets when carrying a conventional warhead.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/china/theater/df-3a.htm |title={title} |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171821/https://fas.org/nuke/guide/china/theater/df-3a.htm |archive-date=4 December 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The CSS-2 has a range of 4,850 km with a payload of either 2,150 or 2,500 kg. These missiles were delivered with between 50 and 35 [[transporter erector launcher]] trucks.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20080524155801/http://www.missilethreat.com/missilesoftheworld/id.3/missile_detail.asp</ref> These missiles were the first weapons of the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force, a separate branch of Saudi Arabia's armed forces. In 2013 the existence of the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force was officially announced.<ref>{{cite web|date=10 May 2013|url=http://saudied.com/%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AC-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%B2-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88/|title=Arabic: تخريج عدد من دورات مركز ومدرسة قوة الصورايخ الاستراتيجية Student's Graduation at the Strategic Missile Force Center and Academy|publisher=Saudid.com|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6LPf5iiqJ?url=http://saudied.com/%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AC-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%B2-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88/|archivedate=26 November 2013|access-date=7 December 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | |
| | | | |
| − | ''Newsweek'' quoted an anonymous source in 2014 that Saudi Arabia had acquired [[DF-21|CSS-5]] [[intermediate-range ballistic missile]]s from China in 2007 with "Washington's quiet approval on the condition that CIA technical experts could verify they were not designed to carry nuclear warheads".<ref name="Stein2014">{{cite web | url=http://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-cia-helped-saudis-secret-chinese-missile-deal-227283 | title="Exclusive: CIA Helped Saudis in Secret Chinese Missile Deal" | publisher=NEWSWEEK LLC | work=Newsweek (Web site) | date=29 January 2014 | accessdate=10 September 2016 | author=Stein, Jeff | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917172201/http://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-cia-helped-saudis-secret-chinese-missile-deal-227283 | archive-date=17 September 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] lists the CSS-5 as being capable of carrying either 250-[[kiloton]] or 500-kiloton nuclear or various types of conventional high-explosive warheads.<ref name="CSIS2016">{{cite web | url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/dong-feng-21-df-21/ | title="DONGFENG-21 (DF-21/CSS-5 MODS 1, 2, 6)" | publisher=The Center for Strategic and International Studies Missile Defense Project | work=Missile Threat (Web site) | date=13 April 2016 | accessdate=10 September 2016}}</ref> The CSS-5, while it has a comparatively shorter range (2,800 km) and half the [[payload]] (1 ton) of the CSS-2, is solid-fueled, thus can be set up and placed on alert status more easily than the liquid-fueled CSS-2, and its accuracy is much greater ([[circular error probable]] of 30 meters).<ref name="StrategyPage 2014">{{cite web | url=https://strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20140210.aspx | title="Artillery: Saudi Ballistic Missiles Secretly Upgraded" | publisher=StrategyWorld.com | date=10 February 2014 | accessdate=10 September 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008215740/https://strategypage.com/htmw/htart/articles/20140210.aspx | archive-date=8 October 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| + | [[Newsweek]] reported from an anonymous source in 2014 that Saudi Arabia had acquired newer intermediate-range ballistic missiles from China in 2007 with "Washington's quiet approval on the condition that CIA technical experts could verify they were not designed to carry nuclear warheads".<ref name="Stein2014">https://web.archive.org/web/20160917172201/http://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-cia-helped-saudis-secret-chinese-missile-deal-227283</ref> The [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] lists the CSS-5 as being capable of carrying either 250-kiloton or 500-kiloton nuclear or various types of conventional high-explosive warheads.<ref name="CSIS2016">https://web.archive.org/web/20170327131012/https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/df-21/</ref> |
| | | | |
| − | == See also ==
| + | {{SMWDocs}} |
| − | {{Portal|Saudi Arabia}} | |
| − | * [[Nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia]]
| |
| − | * [[Saudi Arabia and weapons of mass destruction]]
| |
| | | | |
| | ==References== | | ==References== |
| − | {{Reflist|30em}}
| + | <references/> |
| − | | |
| − | ==External links==
| |
| − | *[http://www.energy.gov.sa/ King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy] {{in lang|ar}} (''[[King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy|K.A.CARE]] is a city that aims to develop nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia'')
| |
| − | *[http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-O-S/Saudi-Arabia/ Nuclear Power in Saudi Arabia]
| |
| − | | |
| − | {{Saudi Arabia topics}}
| |
| − | | |
| − | [[Category:Economy of Saudi Arabia]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Nuclear technology in Saudi Arabia| ]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Politics of Saudi Arabia]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Government of Saudi Arabia]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Nuclear programs|Saudi Arabia]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Foreign relations of Saudi Arabia]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Nuclear weapons programs]]
| |
| − | | |
| | | | |
| | {{PageCredit | | {{PageCredit |
 Saudi Arabia/Nuclear Weapons    |
|---|
|
Publicly Saudi Arabia does not acknowledge to have a nuclear weapons program. There have been reports of Saudi Arabia's intent to purchase nuclear weapons. In 2003, a leaked strategy paper laid out three possible options for the Saudi government: to acquire a nuclear deterrent, to ally with and become protected by an existing nuclear nation, or to try to reach agreement on having a nuclear-free Middle East.
Pakistan's involvement
It is widely believed that Saudi Arabia has been a major financier of Pakistan's own integrated atomic bomb project since 1974, a programme founded by former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.[1][2] In the 1980s, Chief Martial Law Administrator and President General Zia-ul-Haq paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia where he unofficially told the King that: "Our achievements are yours".[1] Since 1998, Western diplomats and intelligence agencies have long believed that an agreement exists in which Pakistan would sell Saudi Arabia nuclear warheads and its own nuclear technology should security in the Persian Gulf deteriorate.[2]
In 2010, in a statement issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia, ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan was quoted as saying that: "Pakistan considers the security of Saudi Arabia not just as a diplomatic or an internal matter but as a personal matter."[3]
Israeli-Saudi's nuclear collaboration
Western security agencies believe that Israel is selling nuclear information to Saudi Arabia. According to Israeli writer Ami Dor-on, such information will give the government in Riyadh nuclear weapons capabilities.[4]
Saudi financing of Iraqi nuclear program
In 1994, Mohammed al Khilewi, second-in-command of the Saudi mission to the United Nations, applied for asylum in the United States. He provided a packet of 10,000 documents
[Citation Needed] that allegedly described long-time Saudi support of the Iraqi nuclear weapons program.[5] Senior Clinton administration officials responsible for Mideast affairs said they found nothing in Khilewi's debriefings to back up the Media reports about a Saudi nuclear program.
2013
In November 2013, a variety of sources told BBC Newsnight that Saudi Arabia had invested in Pakistans nuclear weapons projects and believes it could obtain nuclear bombs at will. Earlier in the year, a senior NATO decision maker told Mark Urban that he had seen intelligence reporting that nuclear weapons made in Pakistan on behalf of Saudi Arabia are now sitting ready for delivery.[6]
Response
A US based think-tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, questions validity and/or credibility of the BBC’s sources.[7]
2015
The Sunday Times of London publishes an article along similar lines as Mark Urban in 2013.[8]
Missile capability
In 1987, Saudi Arabia purchased Chinese-made intermediate-range ballistic missiles[9] designed and used by the Chinese as a nuclear-armed missile, but reportedly sold to Saudi Arabia with conventional high-explosive warheads. However their low circular error probable accuracy (1–1.5 km) makes them unsuitable for effective military use against military targets when carrying a conventional warhead.[10] The CSS-2 has a range of 4,8 km. These missiles were delivered with between 35 and 50 transporter erector launcher trucks.[11] These missiles were the first weapons of the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force, a separate branch of Saudi Arabia's armed forces. In 2013 the existence of the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force was officially announced.[12]
Newsweek reported from an anonymous source in 2014 that Saudi Arabia had acquired newer intermediate-range ballistic missiles from China in 2007 with "Washington's quiet approval on the condition that CIA technical experts could verify they were not designed to carry nuclear warheads".[13] The Center for Strategic and International Studies lists the CSS-5 as being capable of carrying either 250-kiloton or 500-kiloton nuclear or various types of conventional high-explosive warheads.[14]
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References
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