Saudi Arabia on Monday welcomed the nuclear deal between world powers and Iran and hoped it would lead to a comprehensive solution to Tehran's controversial nuclear program.
In a statement, the Cabinet said that if there is “goodwill” the deal could lead to a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, a reference to Israel’s presumed arsenal.
"The Saudi government... sees that if there was goodwill, this agreement could represent a first step toward a comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear program if that led to the removal of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons, from the Middle East and the Arab Gulf region," the Cabinet said following its weekly meeting in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has been worried about Iran's nuclear program, fearing it is a cover for an atomic weapons production. Iran maintains its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
The Kingdom said it hoped that this agreement would be followed by further steps that would guarantee the rights of all states in the region to peaceful nuclear energy.
Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have already issued statements welcoming the nuclear deal.
Sunday's agreement, reached after marathon talks in Geneva, was condemned by Israel as a “historic mistake” and said it would not be bound by it.
KSA: Goodwill needed for success of Iran N-deal
KSA: Goodwill needed for success of Iran N-deal
![KSA: Goodwill needed for success of Iran N-deal KSA: Goodwill needed for success of Iran N-deal](https://www.arabnews.com/sites/default/files/styles/n_670_395/public/media/25/11/2013/salman_web.jpg?itok=U1EhWCKb)