Saudi Foreign Minister: We Welcome Trump's Policies Towards Iran and ISIS

Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi Foreign Minister, stated on Monday that Riyadh welcomes the approach of Donald Trump's administration to restore America's role in the world, particularly in containing Iran and defeating the Islamic State (ISIS). Speaking to reporters in Paris, al-Jubeir expressed optimism about the incoming U.S. administration, stating, "We are looking forward to cooperating in all areas of common concern." He added, "In our view, the policies of the Trump administration are coordinated and clear. They want to restore America's role in the world, and we welcome this approach. They want to defeat ISIS completely. They want to contain Iran... we completely welcome that." Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, will be sworn in on Friday. According to the report, al-Jubeir noted that Saudi Arabia and the U.S. have shared geopolitical interests in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran. He added that the two countries also share common interests in financial and energy sectors. The Saudi Foreign Minister emphasized that the goals they wish to achieve are shared objectives. "We may have potential disagreements on how to achieve these goals, but we do not disagree on what should or should not be done." In response to a question about relations between Riyadh and Tehran, al-Jubeir accused Iran of destabilizing the region. Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been strained since the onset of protests in Arab countries or the 'Arab Spring.' Following the protests and conflicts in Syria in 2011, Iran supported Bashar al-Assad's regime, while Saudi Arabia supported the opposition against the Syrian government. Following the execution of a prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi embassy and consulate in Tehran and Mashhad were attacked. In response to this action, Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran. Subsequently, Iran also halted pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Foreign Minister further stated that their relations with Iran are strained, which is a result of Iran's hostile and aggressive policies. Al-Jubeir added, "We cannot be condemned to death and destruction and then expect us to turn the other cheek (and ignore it). We have tried to improve relations, but it has not been fruitful." He also commented on the peace negotiations in Syria in Astana, Kazakhstan, stating that these negotiations are worth testing, but moderate opposition groups should not be sidelined. Al-Jubeir said, "The goal of these negotiations is to establish a ceasefire and begin a political negotiation process. Let’s test it. Of course, it has not been successful so far." The Astana talks are expected to be held after the formation of the new U.S. government led by Donald Trump.