ABSTRACT
The consequences of the apparent Iranian drive to acquire a nuclear-weapons capability depend, in large measure, on the reactions of its neighbours. Some Israeli analysts believe Israel's current posture has served it well and would prove sufficient to deter a nuclear Iran. Perhaps the greatest fear among Iran's neighbours is that a nuclear-weapons capability will embolden Iran to more aggressively intervene and influence the broader region and could provide a cover for proxies like Hizbullah to similarly engage in more reckless pursuits. Israeli analysts, in particular, are greatly concerned about a more aggressive nuclear Iran. For the Saudis, the advent of a nuclear Iran is likely to intensify their concern about Shia ascendancy in Iraq a development they may believe presents an existential threat to the survival of the Sunni Arab monarchical order in the region.
