Nuclear Security in the Middle East: Challenges, Solutions and Regional Cooperation

Considering the fact that nuclear power technology and facilities have recently entered the Middle East, and that more reactors are to enter the area, this article analyzes issues relating to nuclear security challenges and the cooperation of countries in the region. This is vital for Middle Eastern governments who are seeking nuclear power to implement effective national policies in order for membership in international treaties and for joining international regimes. Using library resources, the present paper, seeks to respond appropriately to the main question: what are the core nuclear security challenges in the Middle East?
This research uses descriptive-analytic methodology, and the data is collected from the library resources and documents.
Article findings show that nuclear security in the Middle East is confronted with the challenges posed by proliferation, increasing arsenals, expanding civilian nuclear programs, weakening nuclear export controls, domestic instability and terrorism in several Middle East countries.
The scenario of Middle East becoming nuclear further strengthens its instability.  The Middle East is at the crossroads of growing nuclear (military and civilian) nuclear programs and increased nuclear/radioactive security threats. Therefore, there is an indirect link between nuclear facilities and nuclear weapons that prevents nuclear security. The growing trend of nuclear power plants for civilian and military use has increased the efforts to manage nuclear and radioactive materials and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.