US Defense Secretary to visit Middle East in coming days: Pentagon
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will head to the Middle East this weekend, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday.
“This weekend, Secretary Austin will depart on a planned, multi-day visit to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR),” Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said.
For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Without elaborating on which countries Austin would visit, Ryder said the trip would allow the secretary to meet with leaders and several key partner nations to “reaffirm the enduring US commitment to the Middle East region.”
Speaking at a press briefing, Ryder said talks would also focus on ways to work closely to increase regional security and stability and deter potential threats.
Last month, senior US officials from the Biden administration took part in security meetings in Riyadh to discuss Iran and other common threats.
Officials said these meetings were a sign that claims that Washington was looking to distance itself from the Middle East were inaccurate.
Read more: Biden administration praises Saudi Arabia for recent Ukraine aid pledge
Also Read
-
Republican senator criticizes Brazil over Iran warships, calls for sanctions
“The docking of Iranian warships in Brazil is a dangerous development and a direct threat to the safety and security of Americans,” the senator said. World News -
Iran says nuclear watchdog chief to visit in ‘coming days’
Iran said Monday the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, will visit Tehran “in the coming days,” amid a row over uranium enrichment ... Middle East -
US warns Iran after fresh threats from IRGC against Trump, Pompeo over Soleimani
The US issued a warning to Iran on Saturday, saying that it would respond to any attacks by the country after a top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ... Middle East
