The GCC states ((Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and UAE) have embarked on establishing a civilian nuclear programme solely for peaceful proposes. However, the actual nature of the programme could shift from civilian to military if the non-proliferation regime collapses or suffers a major setback as a result of one regional state’s success in acquiring nuclear military capability. Since 2002/2003, the Iranian nuclear programme has emerged as a new source of concern for the GCC states. Some credible evidence had emerged by then pointing to the possibility that the Iranian nuclear programme could have military dimensions. For the GCC states, Tehran’s nuclear ambition poses a major challenge to their national and regional security, as a nuclear Iran would drastically alter the strategic balance in the geopolitical Gulf.
