Daniel Benaim, a deputy assistant secretary for the Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the US State Department, believes that the Iranians lost the opportunity for a swift return to the full implementation of the nuclear agreement last September.
Iran, according to Benaim, had turned its back on an agreement that was approved by all.
Responding to a question by Asharq Al-Awsat on existing fears about the fate of the nuclear agreement and available options, Benaim affirmed that US President Joe Biden is clearly committed to keeping nuclear weapons out of Iran’s hands.
Speaking to a limited number of journalists at the residence of the US ambassador in Riyadh, Benaim added that Gulf states and the US prefer taking a diplomatic track backed by partnership and strong security cooperation.
Nevertheless, Biden was clear in affirming that all options were on the table and that a military option will remain as a last resort, noted Benaim.
Moreover, the US official downplayed the importance of the hypothesis that the US lost its historical role in the region to China.
Benaim stressed that his country is committed to ensuring the security of the Middle East in a way that no other country can.
He further revealed that Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in promoting regional stability.
Saudi Arabia’s positive role is evident through its cooperation with Lebanon, Sudan, Egypt, Iraq, and Afghanistan, explained Benaim, adding that the Kingdom has also exerted efforts in making the ceasefire in Yemen a more permanent path for peace.
The US has an unparalleled history of working with the Saudi people to achieve economic prosperity and modernization, emphasized Benaim.
He added that the US intends to compete and offer a compelling vision for the future of cooperation.
Benaim said that US companies are keen on the matter, and so is the Biden administration.
More than 18,000 Saudi students are currently studying in the US.
These students will partake in ambitious plans for the future of the Kingdom, said Benaim.
Mentioning that the visa waiting period has been considerably reduced, Benaim encouraged talented Saudi youth to visit the US.
Benaim hinted that relations with the Gulf go beyond talking about defense and combating terrorism, to working together in the fields of technology, environmental protection, and tourism.
It is important that the US has a unique value when talking about the region as it is committed to ensuring the security of the Middle East in a way that no other country can, reiterated Benaim.
The US has its comparative advantage in building coalitions such as the anti-ISIS coalition.
