Which situation developed as a result of the arms race during the cold war?

a. the soviet union shifted its focus from developing weapons to exploring space.
b. the united states ended its policy of fighting proxy wars in asia, africa, and south america.
c. the united states and the soviet union developed the ability to completely destroy each other.
d. nearly every country around the world gained access to nuclear weapons.

Correct

As the Cold War continued, the two superpowers (US and USSR) kept escalating their weapons capabilities and stockpiles.  It got to the point that if the two sides did plunge into war, they would face mutually assured destruction -- abbreviated as M.A.D.  It seemed the Cold War had driven the two powers mad (crazy) in their efforts to arm themselves against each other.

Eventually the US and USSR would pursue policies of detente, which included pledges to reduce their nuclear arsenals.  The arms race and solving the arms race were constant issues affecting the Cold War.

president carter called the victims of kidnapping "victims of terrorism and anarchy" and added that the united states was not going to give in to blackmail. in the united states, they see hostage-taking as an outrage on the part of the islamist movement that violated the principle of international law on the immunity and inviolability of diplomats and their embassies.

carter refused to yield to the demands, khomeini used the situation to consolidate his power and nullify the challenges of the moderate wing of his government, headed by its president. the euphoria over the humiliation of the most powerful nation distracted the iranian people from the economic difficulties of their country. carter, in april 1980, broke diplomatic relations with iran and imposed a trade embargo, except medicine and food. iranian funds in the us they were frozen and accounted for to compensate the hostages when they were released and to pay the demands of us companies against iran.

this is a good question! i'll do some research and come back when i have the answer!