Robert Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense, is in Saudi Arabia today for consultations with leaders, centering on Iran. Elisabeth Bumiller, in today’s New York Times wrote, “The talks are to include discussions about United States military cooperation with Saudi Arabia in building up its air and missile defense. Mr. Gates is to provide an update to Saudi officials, who are intensely concerned about Iran’s nuclear program, on the American-led effort to impose new sanctions on Tehran. Mr. Gates is to meet with King Abdullah and Crown Prince bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud over dinner at the king’s farm outside Riyadh.”
Gates will update Saudi leaders on American policy on Iran as the United States has “pivoted from the engagement track to the pressure track,” according to a defense official cited by Reuters. A new draft was introduced at the United Nations by the U.S. last week that calls for tougher sanctions to force Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment efforts.
The American Defense Secretary’s visit follows closely behind visits by other Obama Administration leaders to the Kingdom for talks on Iran and other critical issues — Secretary of State Clinton, Central Command Chief Gen. Petraeus and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen.
Gates is expected to consult with Saudi leaders on the problems of instability in Yemen and the relationship between Riyadh and Baghdad.
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