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.



20th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Lebanon

20th Saudi relief plane departs for Lebanon. (SPA)
20th Saudi relief plane departs for Lebanon. (SPA)
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20th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Lebanon

20th Saudi relief plane departs for Lebanon. (SPA)
20th Saudi relief plane departs for Lebanon. (SPA)

The 20th Saudi relief plane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), arrived in Lebanon on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The aid package carries relief aid including food, shelter, and medical supplies.
Saudi Arabia is keen on maintaining its historic role in supporting the Lebanese people in times of crisis.