DHAKA: Saudi Arabia has reportedly financed Pakistani-developed nuclear weapons, and the kingdom devises Islamabad will provide it atomic bombs upon request.

The BBC reported Wednesday night, The Jerusalem Post publishes this report on Thursday.

The Gulf states have been concerned about Iran and its mission to extend its influence throughout the region.

The worry has increased alongside the continued debate on the possibility of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons capabilities.

If what sources told the BBC is true, the kingdom may engage in a nuclear arms race to counter its main regional adversary, Iran, by acquiring such capabilities before the Islamic Republic.

The BBC report cited a senior NATO official as saying he had seen intelligence reports that Saudi-backed atomic weapons made in Pakistan had been developed and were allegedly ready for delivery to Riyadh.

In 2011, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Turki al-Faisal said his country might produce nuclear weapons if Iran got them.

The report also cited comments made by former Military Intelligence chief Amos Yadlin pointing toward Saudi Arabia’s quest to counter Iranian nuclear weapons.

BDST: 1922 HRS, NOV 07, 2013
RoR/RIS