Since 2006, several states in the Middle East have
declared their intentions to pursue nuclear energy.
Disputes over Iran’s contentious pursuit of nuclear capability
led the news in 2015, only ending when an agreement
was reached between Iran and six world powers to
curtail its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of
economic sanctions. But interest in nuclear power has
been on the rise across the Middle East, despite the large
expense involved in creating nuclear programs. Nuclear
power is viewed by many leaders in the region as a
solution to persistent regional electricity shortages – a
problem that is expected to worsen in the coming decade.