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As the global landscape shifts, the issue of nuclear arms in the Middle East remains a critical topic. With numerous nations on the brink of nuclear capabilities or involved in nuclear sharing agreements, we take a closer look at the current state of nuclear weapons in the region as of 2025.
Israel – 90 Nuclear Warheads
Israel stands at the forefront with an estimated 90 nuclear warheads. Although the country has not officially confirmed its nuclear status, it is widely recognized as a nuclear power in the Middle East.
Türkiye – 20 Nuclear Weapons
Türkiye, while not possessing nuclear weapons independently, is involved in nuclear sharing with the United States and hosts U.S. nuclear weapons under NATO’s umbrella. However, Türkiye cannot use them unilaterally.
Bahrain – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Bahrain currently maintains a nuclear-free status, with no reported nuclear weapons.
Cyprus – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Cyprus also remains nuclear-free, joining many other nations in the region without nuclear capabilities.
Egypt – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Egypt has not pursued nuclear weapons and maintains a stance against their proliferation.
Iran – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Despite ongoing concerns about its nuclear program, Iran does not currently possess nuclear weapons.
Iraq – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Under ongoing international scrutiny, Iraq holds no nuclear arsenal and adheres to disarmament commitments.
Jordan – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Jordan remains committed to a nuclear-free stance and does not have any nuclear capabilities.
Kuwait – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Kuwait has also maintained a nuclear-free posture and has no nuclear weapons at its disposal.
Lebanon – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Lebanon does not possess any nuclear weapons and has focused on regional stability.
Oman – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Oman is another Middle Eastern country free from nuclear arms, focusing instead on diplomatic solutions in the region.
Palestine – 0 Nuclear Weapons
The Palestinian territories do not have any nuclear capabilities.
Qatar – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Qatar maintains a nuclear-free environment, aligning with international disarmament efforts.
Saudi Arabia – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Saudi Arabia currently has no nuclear weapons but has expressed interest in developing a nuclear program for peaceful purposes.
Syria – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Syria does not possess nuclear capabilities, though there have been past concerns regarding its nuclear ambitions.
Bonus Countries
Sudan – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Sudan stands with its neighbors as a country that does not maintain a nuclear arsenal.
UAE – 0 Nuclear Weapons
The United Arab Emirates focuses on nuclear energy rather than nuclear weapons, remaining committed to non-proliferation.
Yemen – 0 Nuclear Weapons
Yemen does not have any nuclear weapons in its military arsenal.
As the geopolitical climate continues to evolve, the focus on nuclear capabilities in the Middle East remains a complex and sensitive issue. With only Israel and Türkiye having any form of nuclear armament, the region continues to grapple with the implications of nuclear politics and security.
As discussions surrounding nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation persist, the hope for a nuclear-free Middle East remains a pivotal and complex goal that many nations are striving to achieve.