US Says Commitment to Security in the Middle East is Strong

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Department personnel during a visit by US President Joe Biden at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, US, February 10, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria//File Photo
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Department personnel during a visit by US President Joe Biden at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, US, February 10, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria//File Photo
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US Says Commitment to Security in the Middle East is Strong

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Department personnel during a visit by US President Joe Biden at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, US, February 10, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria//File Photo
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Department personnel during a visit by US President Joe Biden at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, US, February 10, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria//File Photo

America's top defense official vowed Saturday to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and said President Joe Biden's administration was committed to the region.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's comments in Bahrain at the annual Manama Dialogue appeared aimed at reassuring America's Gulf Arab allies as the Biden administration tries to revive the nuclear deal, which limited Iran's enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

“The United States remains committed to preventing Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon. And we remain committed to a diplomatic outcome of the nuclear issue,” Austin told an event put on by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“But if Iran isn’t willing to engage seriously, then we will look at all of the options necessary to keep the United States secure,” he said.

"Let's be clear: America's commitment to security in the Middle East is strong and sure," Austin added.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Steadfast Support for Palestinian Cause

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, November 2024 (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, November 2024 (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Steadfast Support for Palestinian Cause

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, November 2024 (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, November 2024 (SPA)

Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in supporting the Palestinian cause, advocating for Palestinian rights in international forums. The Kingdom upholds its historic role in backing the Palestinian people, drawing on its global influence and leadership in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Representing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at an emergency Arab summit in Cairo on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed the latest developments in the Palestinian issue and joint Arab efforts to address them.

Prince Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm rejection of any infringement on Palestinian rights, including settlement expansion, land annexation, or forced displacement.

Speaking at the Arab summit, he stressed the need for international guarantees to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.

A consultative meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, along with Jordan and Egypt, held in Riyadh last month, welcomed the emergency Arab summit.

The leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues, particularly joint efforts to support the Palestinian cause and developments in Gaza.

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in a message to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following last month’s meeting in Riyadh.

He commended the Kingdom’s prominent regional and international role, particularly amid the challenges facing the region, including the Palestinian issue and the hardships endured by the Palestinian people.

He expressed hope for a unified stance on key issues to secure a better future for the region and its people.

Observers note that Saudi Arabia’s position on the Palestinian cause remains steadfast, rejecting compromise or political maneuvering.

They emphasize that the Kingdom insists on a clear path toward an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as a prerequisite for any comprehensive peace or diplomatic ties with Israel.

Saudi officials have reiterated this stance in international forums and official statements.

Riyadh has repeatedly affirmed that the Palestinian cause is its top priority, stressing that the UN Security Council (UNSC) cannot evade its responsibilities. The Kingdom has urged the UNSC to take decisive action to ensure the Palestinian people receive their long-denied rights.

In a statement last month, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that the Palestinian people have a rightful claim to their land and are not migrants who can be expelled at Israel’s discretion.

It stressed that this right is inalienable, regardless of time, and that lasting peace can only be achieved through reason and a commitment to peaceful coexistence based on a two-state solution.

Observers noted that resolutions from the Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh last November—particularly the rejection of Palestinian displacement—serve as a key reference for the Arab position on US and Israeli statements regarding the forced removal of Gaza’s population, the annexation of the West Bank, and placing Gaza under US administration.

In September, Saudi Arabia, alongside Arab, Islamic, and European partners, announced the launch of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution during a ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s high-level session in New York.

Analysts viewed the initiative as a step toward restoring credibility in multilateral diplomacy and demonstrating a serious commitment to achieving peace and establishing a Palestinian state.

Riyadh hosted the first meeting of the Alliance in late October, bringing together representatives from nearly 90 countries and international organizations.

Prince Faisal underscored the need for intensified global efforts to salvage the two-state solution and restore regional security and stability.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s and its regional partners’ commitment to peace through concrete steps and a clear timeline aimed at ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Since the start of the Gaza crisis, Saudi Arabia has swiftly provided urgent humanitarian aid through air and sea relief bridges and launched a nationwide donation campaign for Palestinians in the enclave, raising more than SAR 707 million ($188 million).

The Kingdom has also offered monthly financial support to help address the humanitarian situation in Gaza and surrounding areas.

 

Riyadh has repeatedly condemned Israeli airstrikes on Syria and Israel’s ongoing violations of international agreements and laws.

It has urged the international community to take responsibility for halting Israel’s destabilizing actions and preventing a wider conflict in the region.

The Kingdom has also reaffirmed its support for Lebanon and its people, expressing confidence in the ability of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to take the necessary steps to safeguard the country’s security, stability, and unity.

The Kingdom emphasized the importance of preserving state institutions and achievements to restore Lebanon’s regional and international standing and bolster trust among its partners.

Riyadh is also actively working to resolve the Sudan crisis, pushing for a ceasefire agreement and efforts to restore stability.

The Kingdom seeks a political path that ensures Sudan’s security, unity, and sovereignty while preventing foreign interference. Meanwhile, it continues to provide humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.