US, Saudi Arabia mend fences, Riyadh backs Iran deal

At a time when West Asia is grappling with domestic issues and the rise of terror groups like the Islamic State, the relations between the US and Saudi Arabia have hit a low. US President Barack Obama, who has been very candid about his assessment of the Saudi royal family, has had difficult relations with Saudi Arabia during his tenure.

Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman visited the US on September 4 and met President Obama. The talks focused on restoring order in the region and elevate the relationship to a new strategic partnership for the 21^st century. The successful completion of the deal between Iran and the P5+1 countries led by the US has elicited pointed criticism from many influential sections in Saudi Arabia establishment. However, it still has worries about the sanctions being eased on Iran and fears that Iran could use the financial gains accruing from easing of sanctions to arm more proxy fighters, thereby fueling chaos and instability in the region.

Riyadh backs Iran deal

As per the joint statement released by the two countries, King Salman expressed his support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the P5 + 1 countries, which once fully implemented, will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and thereby enhance security in the region. The two sides stressed on the need to continue closer cooperation in maintaining security, prosperity and stability in the region and in particular to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities.

Yemen crisis

The two countries also discussed the crisis in Yemen. While the US has appreciated Saudi Arabia in dealing with the rebels in Yemen, it also cautioned the Saudis on the mass destruction being caused and a humanitarian crisis brewing there, which could destabilise the region further. They stressed on the urgent need to implement relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including UNSCR 2216, in order to facilitate a political solution based on the GCC Initiative and the outcomes of the National Dialogue. Saudi Arabia has promised to continue assistance to the people of Yemen.

IS, Syria and Middle East peace

Tackling the rise of ISIS was another major point discussed in the meeting with both sides reiterating their, commitment to continue cooperation in security, including joint efforts to counter Al Qaeda and the ISIS. The Israel-Palestine conflict also figured in the talks, with both countries pitching for the two-state solution. The festering crises in Syria and Lebanon were also discussed. Washington and Riyadh supported full sovereignty for Lebanon, along with security and stability for the armed forces to resist extremist threats. According to the joint statement, “Both leaders stressed the importance of reaching a lasting solution to the Syrian conflict based on the principles of Geneva 1 to end the suffering of the Syrian people, maintain continuity of civilian and military government institutions, preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and ensure the emergence of a peaceful, pluralistic and democratic state free of discrimination or sectarianism.” The two sides also discussed global climate change and pledged to work together to achieve a successful outcome at the Paris negotiations in December.

For many members of the strategic community in the United States, the visit of King Salman couldn’t have come at a more opportune time to re-energise the cooling relationship between the two countries. Saudi Arabia is still strategically important for the US and if it does not mend fences with Riyadh, the US risks losing further presence in the region.

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