RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman received US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper in his office on Tuesday to discuss strategic cooperation between Riyadh and Washington, state news agency SPA reported.“Today, I discussed the deployment of US forces and equipment to #SaudiArabia with @KingSalman,” Esper tweeted following the meeting.
Today, I discussed the deployment of U.S. forces and equipment to #SaudiArabia with @KingSalman. We agree with the need to take a firm defensive stance in the region to deter Iranian malign behavior and promote stability. pic.twitter.com/ioz6U0liPS
— Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) October 22, 2019
The meeting, where top officials from both countries were also present, also tackled joint security and defense issues and the situation in the region.“We agree with the need to take a firm defensive stance in the region to deter Iranian malign behavior and promote stability,” he added.Esper then met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.The US defense secretary arrived in the Kingdom a day earlier on an unannounced visit, with tensions simmering between Washington and Tehran, and Russia seeking to boost its influence in the Middle East.US-Iran tensions have risen to new highs since May 2018, when the Trump administration withdrew from an international accord that put limits on Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions.As reinstated sanctions put pressure on Iran’s economy, there have been a series of attacks which Washington and close allies blame on Tehran. Iran denies responsibility.Also on Tuesday, the US defense secretary visited the Prince Sultan Air Base, where he met with troops and assessed the capabilities that the US has deployed to the region to help defend Saudi Arabia, deter Iran and prevent conflict.
Arrived at Prince Sultan Air Base! I will be meeting with troops and seeing the capabilities we have deployed to the region to help defend Saudi Arabia, deter Iran and prevent conflict. pic.twitter.com/LmNbnhwMKY— Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) October 22, 2019
The United States has deployed about 3,000 additional military forces since May to bolster Saudi defenses, including an air expeditionary wing and air defense personnel.
