Introduction
Advanced technology is associated with the development of complex and deadly weapons. Nuclear technology is one of the recent developments that threatens human life. Consequently, many countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have taken policy measures to protect their citizens and property from such weapons.
A Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is one of the policy approaches to nuclear technology aimed at reducing the effects of the weapon.
However, the reactivation of JCPOA presents a national security policy problem to the UAE due to uncertainty about the U.S. commitment and Iran’s untrustworthiness. Addressing the JCPOA challenge hinges on three pillars: intelligence analysis, diplomatic outreach, and the cultivation of regional security frameworks.
Nuclear Weapons Technology
The Iranian nuclear weapon technology poses a major threat to the economy and security of the UAE. The technology involves combining explosive chemicals through nuclear fusion and fission (Kristensen and Korda, 2021). The European Union (EU) and the five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council realized the serious risks posed by the development of nuclear weapons in Iran (Kristensen and Korda, 2019). Consequently, they entered into a nuclear deal with Iran, known as the JCPOA, which limits the advancement of nuclear weapons (Bahl). The deal was aimed at protecting the economic and security interests of key global players such as the UAE. Therefore, the implementation of JCPOA by Iran and other parties to the agreement would be beneficial to the UAE.
Failure by the parties to fulfill the agreement poses a national security policy problem for the UAE. Iran has in the past presented treacherous behaviors, including the initiation of nuclear programs and support for proxy groups (Parchami, 2022). While the country claims that such programs are intended for peaceful purposes, their actions are inconsistent with this claim (Hamad, 2023). The proxy groups supported by Iran have been involved in the seizure of oil tankers and inciting the ongoing Hamas-Israel war (Finlinson, 2022).
Additionally, the U.S., despite being pivotal to global security, exhibited actions that encumber its commitment to Gulf security (“Scathing Report on US Withdrawal from Afghanistan Blames Trump and Biden,” 2023). The country withdrew its army from Afghanistan and remained silent on terror attacks in the region. The UAE needs to adopt methodologies that will help it solve the security dilemma presented.
Solving Policy Problem
The security problem presented by the failure to implement JCPOA can be solved through various methodologies. Gathering and analyzing intelligence information will help in augmenting an understanding of Iran’s nuclear activities (Connelly et al., 2021). Such action will be central to validating the consequences associated with nuclear weapons. Additionally, the UAE can initiate diplomatic relations with countries that have advanced security systems. Such relationships, including multilateral agreements, will boost investigation into the attacks against Gulf oil and other properties.
Furthermore, the country can form a regional security alliance with other Middle East countries to counter proxy groups supported by Iran (Azizi, 2022). The alliance will also reduce the country’s overdependence on the U.S. as a peacekeeper in the Gulf region (Worrall, 2021). Solving the national security concern will promote the UAE’s economy and political activities.
Conclusion
Iran is one of the countries that has made advancements in nuclear weapon technology. Although the country entered into a nuclear deal with the EU and UN Security Council permanent members, its actions pose a threat to the UAE’s national security. Iran supports proxy groups that are involved in oil seizure in the Gulf.
On the other hand, the U.S.’s past actions, such as the withdrawal of its peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, lessen its commitment to maintaining peace in the Gulf and preventing the use of nuclear weapons. The UAE can utilize intelligence information, join regional security alliances, and enhance diplomatic activities to overcome the security problem.
References
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