U.S. Defense Secretary: Saudi Arabia Supports Iran Agreement

Ashton Carter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, who is visiting U.S. allied countries in West Asia following the comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran, stated that the King of Saudi Arabia has supported this agreement. According to the Associated Press, Carter also added that the King and the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia expressed doubts about how effective the agreement would be. On July 22, after meeting with King Salman and Foreign Minister Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud in Jeddah, Carter spoke to reporters. He stated, 'Both the King and the Foreign Minister showed their support... The only cautious issue we discussed was the matters we emphasize, namely our intention to verify (the agreement) as a guarantee of its implementation.' He added that discussions also took place regarding the mechanism for the immediate reinstatement of sanctions if Iran does not fulfill its commitments. Carter mentioned that these were topics Washington knew would arise with the achievement of the agreement. The New York Times reported that Carter's remarks suddenly provide an optimistic assessment of U.S.-Saudi relations. The Washington Post quoted U.S. officials stating that King Salman showed 'strong support' for the agreement. The Associated Press also noted that from the statements of the U.S. Secretary of Defense, it can be concluded that Saudi officials have committed themselves to the agreement. During his trip to the Middle East, Ashton Carter also visited Israel, which is one of the main opponents of the nuclear agreement, with its Prime Minister describing it as a 'historic mistake.' Following his meeting with King Salman, the U.S. Secretary of Defense also stated that he would visit the U.S. in the upcoming autumn. Saudi Arabia has emphasized its commitment to fighting the self-proclaimed Islamic State group.