Saudi Arabia Does Not Consider Close Relations Between Iran and the U.S. Likely

On Saturday, January 23, Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi Foreign Minister, accused Iran of being "still the main supporter of terrorism in the world" and stated that he believes a rapprochement between Iran and the United States is unlikely. According to the French news agency, al-Jubeir, speaking at a joint press conference with his American counterpart, expressed that "we will not witness a rapprochement between Iran and the U.S. In general, I believe the United States is very aware of Iran's mischief and its malign activities... and I do not think the United States is under any illusions about the nature of the Tehran regime." Al-Jubeir made these remarks following his meeting with John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, during the Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers' meeting in Saudi Arabia. Kerry, during his visit to Saudi Arabia on Saturday, once again sought to reassure his allies in the Gulf who are concerned about the "warmth" of relations between Iran and the U.S. These concerns have intensified after Iran and Western powers reached a nuclear agreement that resulted in the lifting of some sanctions against Iran. After his meeting with his Saudi counterpart on Saturday, Kerry stated that "the United States remains concerned about some of Iran's activities in other countries," citing "Iran's support for groups such as Hezbollah [Lebanon]." Saudi Arabia and several other countries severed their relations with Tehran earlier this month following protests against Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. These protests occurred after the Riyadh government executed a dissenting Shia cleric from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that the issue of an agreement regarding the participation of Syrian opposition groups in upcoming peace talks is another topic discussed during John Kerry's visit to Saudi Arabia. Kerry announced on Saturday in Riyadh that the Syria Support Group, consisting of 20 countries and organizations, is set to meet "very soon." It is expected that the Syria peace talks, initiated by the United Nations, will take place starting Monday in Geneva, involving countries engaged in the Syrian war as well as opposition groups and government representatives.