Israel report: Sunni Arab states seek nuclear power to equal Iran’s capabilities

Sunni Arab countries are pursuing nuclear energy in response to Iran’s nuclear programme, an Israeli report said.

Entitled “The Sunni Arab cuntries going nuclear”, the report was released by the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya.

It states that the UAE will be the first Sunni Arab country to operate a power plant made by South Korea.  Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia and Algeria are expected to follow suit, “having declared their intention to build nuclear reactors,” Ynet News reported the study saying.

The Israeli news website added that Russia provides information and technology to support these Arab countries in their nuclear plans, which are claimed to be aimed at civilian use.

“While these countries say they need the nuclear power plants to meet the growing demand for energy for economic purposes, the IPS report reveals this isn’t the only reason for their efforts,” Ynet reported.

Read: Iran says it can discuss other issues if nuclear deal successful