against Iran instead of military action as King Abdullah insisted. However, Prince Muqrin also argued that Iran's interference in internal Gulf affairs, especially Iran's move in regard to nuclear arms, had very negative effects on the region and therefore, might cause an arms race among the Gulf states. Business activities Muqrin bin Abdulaziz also has business activities. He was one of the founders of the Dar Al Maal Al Islami Trust which was initiated by Mohammed bin Faisal Al Saud, King Faisal's son, in 1981. During his tenure as the governor of Hail province, he founded Hail Agricultural Development Company in 1982. In the late 1980s, the company was the largest wheat producer in the country. Succession Eligibility Prince Muqrin was considered to be one of the candidates for accession to the throne since he has governmental experience although his maternal line was seen as a factor curtailing his chance in this regard. He is said to be much appreciated by the Saudi public because he has never been known for corruption or other negative activities and was considered to be one of King Abdullah's long-time allies. He is also believed by many to be a liberal within the family. However, letter exchanges regarding the Shia in the Eastern Province illustrated an opposition between Prince Muqrin and one of his half-brothers, Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, regarding how a situation involving Shia instigation in the Eastern Province should be handled. In these exchanges, Prince Muqrin argued for a much stronger and harsher approach, but the crown prince vetoed this. Second Deputy Prime Minister Prince Muqrin was appointed as second deputy prime minister by King Abdullah on 1 February 2013, although he was not seen as a potential contender for the post by analysts. This post, which had been vacant since October 2011, is regarded as second in line to the Saudi throne. In practical terms, in this role Prince Muqrin was expected to handle daily running of the country whenever King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman were out of the country or could not deal with daily administrative affairs due to health concerns. In addition to the post of second deputy prime minister, Prince Muqrin kept his other two previous posts, namely adviser to and special envoy of King Abdullah. Deputy Crown Prince After almost a year with the post of second deputy prime minister vacant, Prince Muqrin was formally