US reaffirms commitment to defend Saudi from Iran-aligned attacks

Agencies | Riyadh

US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his country’s commitment to helping “Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups” in a phone call.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, congratulated Biden on the assumption of his post in the first call between the leaders.

During the conversation, King Salman and Biden stressed the depth of the relationship between the two countries, and the importance of strengthening the partnership between them to serve their interests and achieve security and stability in the region and the world reported SPA.

According to a statement from the White House, Biden and King Salman discussed “the US commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups”.

The most important issues in the region and developments of common interest were also reviewed. King Salman thanked the US President for the US's commitment to defend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against such threats and to assure that Iran will not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

The US President commended the Kingdom's support for the UN efforts to reach a truce and a ceasefire in Yemen.

King Salman affirmed the Kingdom's keenness to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen and its endeavour to achieve security and development for the Yemeni people.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday had his own telephone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and “discussed the importance of Saudi progress on human rights, including through legal and judicial reforms,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.