2013 Nuclear Sanctions Crisis

The Nuclear Sanctions Crisis began in late December after Queensland accused the Riyadh Islamic Federation of the production and testing of nuclear weapons. The situation quickly gained International attention with Cattala and Atlantsia immediately supporting Queensland without any counter evidence from the Federation.

Accusation
On December 28th, 2012 without warning Queensland reported major Seismic activity, and an explosion in central RIF, evidence provided by Queensland indicated the explosion was in fact, a nuclear test. The accusations sparked outrage throughout the nation and an immediate hatred of Queensland.

Reaction
The world's reaction was mixed. Hiigara, Riyadh's only major ally immediately called the accusations a scam to collapse the RIF's government, and refused to support the sanctions even if they were passed. Costa Palma, Riyadh's much smaller ally announced its disbelief of Riyadh's possession of WMD, although it showed no indication of supporting its ally in the event of an armed conflict. Nations supporting the sanctions slammed Hiigara for standing by Riyadh despite overwhelming evidence from Queensland. Shihaisha, one of Riyadh's trading partners did believe it was making nuclear weapons but did not support sanctions against the nation. For almost 2 weeks Hiigara argued with supporting nations over why or why not the sanctions should be passed with no input from the RIF.

After Queensland presented its conclusive evidence of a nuclear test, Cattala's representative to the Security Council denounced Riyadh, who had been building a friendly relationship with Cattala, and supported sanctions against the government of Riyadh, but not the population. Cattala did not support the blockade of Riyadh.

Escalation
On January 8th, 2013 The Illium Empire threatened a blockade of the RIF if it failed to provide efficent evidence of the nuclear test being faked. Riyadh in turn denied information to Illium as a rightful response to its hostilities toward the federation. Then Empire went ahead with its blockade and its navy was deployed to the Persian Gulf a few hours later. Riyadh warned that Illium ships entering Riyadi Territory would result in major consequences for the Illium Government. The threat was ignored and the blockade began the next day. Atlantsia also sent an aircraft carrier and two destroyers to assist with the blockade. From January 9th to January 11th several Riyadi ships were stopped, seized, or sent back to port. Sheikh Nashid, furious, issued the official declaration of war between Riyadh, and Illium.