Pompeo: Saudi Arabia is a Major US Partner in Pushing Back Against the Iranian Regime

Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, stated that Saudi Arabia is a major partner for Washington in pushing back against Iran and attempting to change the behavior of the Islamic Republic. In a radio interview with Tony Katz, Mr. Pompeo responded to a question about US-Saudi relations, saying that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a significant partner in pushing back against the Iranian regime and trying to change its behavior by helping and ensuring sufficient oil supply to global markets. The US Secretary of State emphasized that Iran, by losing its oil revenues, will no longer be able to financially support terrorist campaigns around the world. Mike Pompeo stated that Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, and just in recent weeks, we have seen them attempt to assassinate individuals in Europe. Mr. Pompeo referred to reports about a bombing plot at a conference in Paris and an assassination attempt in Denmark. The Danish security service reported on Tuesday that a Norwegian citizen of Iranian descent was arrested in the country on suspicion of collaborating with the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and attempting to attack members of the 'Ahvaz Movement.' Iran completely denies these accusations and claims that these actions are a conspiracy by Israeli intelligence. Pompeo added that these are signs of a regime that is a major factor in instabilities in the Middle East, which is why President Trump believes that the JCPOA (the agreement between six world powers and Iran) is a very bad deal and decided to withdraw from it. Next Monday, we will reimpose the most severe sanctions that have ever been placed against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Mr. Trump, in May of this year, announced the United States' withdrawal from the JCPOA and ordered the reinstatement of sanctions on Iran. The US financial and oil sanctions against Iran are set to be reinstated from November 5, and US officials say the goal of this round of sanctions is to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero. In response to a question about Turkey's potential exit from NATO, Mike Pompeo expressed hope that this would not happen, stating that it would be unfortunate for NATO and the United States, and he believes that if such an event occurs, it would be regrettable for the Turkish people more than anyone else. The US Secretary of State noted that relations between Ankara and Washington faced challenges in the first 18 months of the Trump administration, but significant successes have also been achieved in some areas. Pompeo emphasized that we hope Turkey and President Erdogan realize that the United States is a better partner for them than Iran and that the path President Erdogan should take is stronger support for relations with the United States, Europe, and NATO. In recent years, relations between Washington and Ankara have been strained over issues such as Syria and the failed coup in Turkey. The Turkish President had previously accused Western countries, particularly General Joseph Votel, the head of the US Central Command in the Middle East, of supporting the failed coup in Turkey. Last summer, the US increased tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Turkey, which provoked a response from Turkey.