Kerry: The U.S. Will Not Ignore Iran's 'Destabilizing Actions'

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated on Thursday, March 5, in Saudi Arabia that the United States will not turn a blind eye to Iran's 'destabilizing actions' in the region. According to reports, Mr. Kerry, after separate meetings with the King of Saudi Arabia and the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states, told reporters that nuclear negotiations with Iran do not mean that the U.S. will overlook Iran's destabilizing activities in places like Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, and especially Yemen. Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal also said after meeting with his American counterpart that he was assured that the current nuclear negotiations with Iran do not imply ignoring Iran's other activities in the region. According to AFP, he stated that Iran is increasing its presence in Iraq by fighting against the 'Islamic State' or ISIS. Saud al-Faisal said, 'For example, Tikrit is a good example to show what we are worried about. Iran is taking control.' Tikrit, the birthplace of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, has fallen to ISIS forces, and Iraqi forces are trying to retake it. In recent days, reports have emerged showing the presence of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, in Iraq. Reuters reported that Iranian commanders are actively assisting Iraqi forces in the fight against ISIS. Since the announcement of the U.S. coalition against ISIS or the 'Islamic State,' several Arab countries have joined this coalition but have not deployed combat troops to the region, only showing their presence through air power or providing military bases. Ground operations in the fight against ISIS are being conducted by Kurdish and Iraqi forces. Barack Obama, the U.S. President, who stated that no ground troops have been deployed and only air operations are being conducted, has requested Congress to authorize some limited military operations against ISIS. Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described Iran's presence and assistance in military operations to retake Tikrit as a 'positive step,' provided it does not exacerbate sectarian tensions in Iraq. John Kerry also mentioned in Saudi Arabia, 'We have asked Iraqi officials to conduct their military operations while adhering to principles such as not harming civilians and preventing any sectarian and group divisions, which includes Iran.' Nearly 30,000 Iraqi military forces have begun operations to retake Tikrit since last Monday. Nuclear negotiations, separate from Iran's regional policies. John Kerry, after three days of negotiations in Montreux, Switzerland, with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, traveled to Saudi Arabia to discuss negotiations with Riyadh officials. On March 5, Kerry told reporters in Riyadh, 'It is true that we are negotiating with Iran regarding the nuclear issue, but we have not overlooked Iran's other destabilizing actions in places like Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula, especially Yemen.' According to AFP, regional Arab countries are concerned about the potential agreement with Iran. Mr. Kerry stated, 'We are not looking for a grand (and comprehensive) deal with Iran.' The U.S. Secretary of State said, 'The day after reaching this potential agreement, if we do, nothing will change, and we are aware of the challenges we face in the region. The only thing that will change is that we will ensure Iran does not gain access to a nuclear bomb.' Mr. Kerry added, 'Whether with or without an agreement (on nuclear issues with Iran), the U.S. is fully committed to other issues related to Iran, including support for terrorism.' The 1+5 countries are engaged in nuclear talks with Iran to ensure that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and will not lead to the development of a nuclear bomb. In this context, the IAEA team will travel to Tehran next week.