US Official: Common Axis Between America, Europe, and Persian Gulf Countries on Iran Has Been Established
Daniel Benaim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, revealed in an interview with the Arab network “Al Hurra” that a new mechanism has been established among the United States, Europe, and Persian Gulf countries to address global concerns regarding Iran’s regional activities and its nuclear program.
According to “MiddleEastEye24,” which published this news, Benaim confirmed on Monday in an exclusive interview with “Al Hurra,” an American-affiliated network, that this mechanism is being discussed during a visit by an American delegation led by Robert Malley, the US Special Envoy for Iran, to several countries.
Benaim stated that the purpose of these visits is to send a strong message to the world that “America and its key allies in Europe” and “close friends in the Middle East” stand together, and “we are standing together to send a clear message to Iran and anyone supporting Iran in this process that: you must address the nuclear issue and you cannot distinguish between us and you must work with us together to address both nuclear and regional issues.”
The American official added: “Countries in the region, many of which are in private talks with Iran, are important stakeholders in Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons and should be consulted, and they have ideas and recommendations that could improve American policy.”
According to this report, Robert Malley is in the Middle East region, and Benaim will join him in a few more days.
In his interview with Al Hurra, Benaim described Qatar as an exceptional American partner and emphasized that the United States will consider this country’s requests to receive drones and F-35 aircraft.
He also stated that the sale of F-35 aircraft to the UAE is moving forward, while an understanding regarding the guarantees related to this deal is also being formed.
This American official is scheduled to participate in the “Manama Dialogue” this week. He said his message at that conference will be that America is in the region to stay and has strong and stable partnerships with regional countries that have been established over several decades and wishes to continue these partnerships for decades to come.
The American official stated that the US role in the region is not limited to military forces and America uses diplomacy to reduce tensions and differences.
Regarding America’s diplomatic activities in the region, this official said 1.4 million people from the Middle East have come to America for education and they are an essential part of the circle that connects our countries to each other.
Benaim said regarding Syria that America has made its position clear regarding the normalization of countries’ relations with Syria and is concerned about the signals being sent with these efforts. He said America has no intention of normalizing relations with Syria.
He also said that US-Saudi Arabia relations are stronger than they appear.
Source: Voice of America
