Saudi King Supports International Efforts to Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The King of Saudi Arabia reiterated his negative stance on the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) negotiations during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, expressing support for international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

On the 22nd (local time), King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud stated in his virtual speech at the 76th UN General Assembly, "Saudi Arabia insists that there should be no weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Therefore, we support the international community's efforts to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons." As a major Sunni Islamic power in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has maintained opposition to the US-led Iran nuclear deal negotiations amid ongoing rivalry with Shia power Iran.

However, King Salman mentioned, "We have started dialogue with Iran," adding, "Concrete results will come based on mutual respect and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs." Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency also reported that the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia met for talks during this UN General Assembly.

Earlier, since April this year, senior officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iran have reportedly met several times in Iraq for talks, but they have been reluctant to soften their opposition regarding the nuclear deal issue.

With Saudi Arabia’s continued opposition, it is expected to be difficult for the Biden administration’s efforts to restore the Iran nuclear deal to make progress. The Biden administration, hoping to restore the Iran nuclear deal unilaterally abandoned by former President Trump, began negotiations in April with Iran as well as other deal parties including France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China, but progress has been slow. Since Iran’s unilateral suspension declaration in June, no follow-up negotiation dates have even been set.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.