US won't step back from Middle East after Iran & Saudi restore ties

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Mar 2023 21:21
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"I would stridently push back on this idea that we're stepping back in the Middle East, far from it," said White House National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Washington (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The United States will not step back on its role in the Middle East after China played the role of restoring the ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, said White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Friday.

"I would stridently push back on this idea that we're stepping back in the Middle East, far from it," Kirby said during a conference call.

Kirby also mentioned that the US supports peace in the Middle East and opposes rising tensions. As such, they would like to see the war in Yemen end. However, Kirby announced that the US was not directly involved in the recent negotiations [between Iran and Saudi Arabia.], adding that Iran may have entered into the negotiations due to internal pressures.

It is important to note that throughout the negotiations aimed at restoring diplomatic ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia kept the United states informed, stressed Kirby on Friday.

"The Saudis did keep us informed about these talks that they were having, just as we keep them informed on our diplomatic engagements, but we weren't directly involved," Kirby said during a conference call.

The US referred to China's mediation in restoring ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia as an attempt to gain influence around the world.

After seven years of strained ties, with the help of Beijing, who brokered the series of talks and negotiations, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties and reopen missions in their respective countries.

As a result, the foreign ministers of both countries will meet to implement their agreement and make the necessary arrangements to exchange ambassadors soon.

Israeli reactions to the agreement

Numerous Israeli officials touched on the agreement which took place between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called it a "serious, dangerous development for 'Israel', and it is a serious political victory for Iran."

Head of the Knesset Foreign Relations Committee Yuli Edelstein referred to the deal as "extremely bad for 'Israel' ", highlighting that the only way for 'Israel' to emerge victorious is to resolve Israeli disputes to be united in the face of existential threats.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called the agreement a total failure, emphasizing its danger to their foreign policy.

Last but not least, Former Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz, indicated that the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia was a serious development that imposes massive security threats.l