U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is prepared to provide security and defense guarantees to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and their Gulf partners if U.S. military strikes against Iran resume.
اضافة اعلان
Rubio stressed that the U.S. presence in the region is primarily aimed at protecting the flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz and responding to threats targeting shipping and maritime navigation.
Speaking at a press conference carried by the U.S. State Department on Saturday, Rubio said U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is currently operating in the region to protect Gulf oil and gas exports. He noted that the United States provides air defense capabilities alongside the Gulf states’ own systems, with U.S.-made equipment playing a major role in their defense operations.
He added that the United States deals daily with threats targeting commercial vessels and shipments, including energy cargoes, holding Tehran responsible for destabilizing the region since 1979 through its support for armed groups in Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.
Regarding the Houthis, Rubio said the group “would not have its current capabilities without direct Iranian support,” stressing that Washington remains committed to its defense agreements with Riyadh, while decisions regarding any U.S. involvement in additional strikes remain with the U.S. president.
He also said Washington remains in regular contact with Saudi Arabia, including communication between the U.S. president and the Saudi crown prince, and welcomed the participation of other countries in efforts to defend the kingdom against attacks.
Source: RT
