BLUF: U.S. security interests are being jeopardized by the potential spread of nuclear technology in the Middle East, as Saudi Arabia threatens to acquire nuclear weaponry if Iran takes the same step – a concern only deepened by suggestions of U.S.-run uranium enrichment for Saudi Arabia.
OSINT: In an effort to prevent nuclear proliferation, the United States has long extended its influence to control the spread of nuclear weapons and related technology. This policy is currently being challenged in the Middle East, largely by Israel, a state which already owns nuclear weaponry, and also Iran, who has been developing its uranium-enrichment abilities rapidly. The situation escalated dramatically after President Trump exited the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.
Saudi Arabia, too, poses a cause for concern – the country’s Crown Prince asserted that they would seek nuclear weaponry if Iran was successful in its pursuit. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has been accumulating nuclear-capable missiles from China and seems to be working on creating its own versions.
Despite these alarming developments, the Biden administration has yet to publicly denounce Saudi Arabia’s actions or threats. Even more concerning are the reports suggesting that the administration may possibly provide a U.S.-run uranium-enrichment operation for Saudi Arabia. This is allegedly part of a deal to build diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. In light of these developments, the U.S., led by its president and Congress, must continue its stringent policy against the release of sensitive enrichment and reprocessing technology if the grip on nuclear proliferation is to be maintained.
RIGHT: From a Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist perspective, U.S. interference with Middle Eastern countries flies against non-interference policy principles. The U.S. administration should be focused on its own territory rather than meddling in international affairs which might lead to wars. However, in the interest of global security, it is reasonable for U.S. officials to discourage cooperation in nuclear developments that pose risks for the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
LEFT: As someone supporting National Socialist Democratic principles, the U.S.’s role in international nuclear regulation is imperative. However, transparent and accountable decisions must be made to prevent any unwarranted use of nuclear technology. Specifically, the U.S. should be consistent in its stance, without granting exceptions to favored nations. If the Biden administration is considering providing nuclear cooperation to Saudi Arabia, public transparency and rigorous nonproliferation standards are absolutely essential.
AI: An expert AI analysis concludes that the situation presents a complex trade-off between political diplomacy and the risk of global nuclear proliferation. The U.S., as a leading power, carries the onus of maintaining a fine balance by cautiously navigating its diplomatic ties without compromising on enforcement of non-proliferation standards. The absence of a proactive response from the current administration underlines the potential risks involved in this dynamic geopolitical landscape.