WH Denies US Stepping Back From Middle East After Iran, Saudi Arabia Restore Ties With China’s Help

After the announcement by Iran and Saudi Arabia that they have agreed to re-establish their relations in a deal that was brokered by China, the White House is resisting the notion that the United States is withdrawing from the Middle East.

John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communication, told reporters March 10 that he would be available to assist with communications. “push back hard” The idea of the agreement being mediated with China’s assistance was rejected. It showed that the United States was leaving the region.

Kirby clarified that the United States was informed about talks between Saudi Arabian and other parties but not directly involved.

Tehran and Riyadh announced their agreement on Friday following four days of previously unreported negotiations between top security officials from the two opposing Middle Eastern giants in Beijing. According to statements from China, Saudi Arabia and Iran, the two countries agreed to resume diplomatic relations, and reopen embassies in two months.

“The agreement includes their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs,” According to the statement.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi called the agreement a “great deal” on Friday. “victory for dialogue,” According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry readout.

When asked about China’s role in brokering the agreement, Kirby said that, “This is not about China.”

“We support any effort to de-escalate tensions there in the region,” He went on.

Kirby dismissed concerns over China’s increasing influence in the Middle East.

“As for Chinese influence [in the Middle East], or in Africa or Latin America, it’s not like we have blinders on,” He said.

“We’ll certainly continue to watch China as they try to gain influence and foothold elsewhere around the world in their own selfish interest.”

The recently announced agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia allows for the reactivation of a 2001 agreement on security cooperation, as well an earlier agreement on trade and economics.

Both countries expressed their gratitude to China, Iraq and Oman for previous talks in 2021/2022.

Since its inception, Iran has been at the forefront of news stories in recent weeks. Discovered They docked warships near the coast of Brazil.

The region’s democratic nations were concerned about the event that took place between February 26 and March 4.

Political and security analysts believe that the presence of warships is due to a new wave in leftist politicians who have swept through Latin America in recent decades, including Brazil’s new President.

Experts say Iran seems to be fulfilling its promise to moor warships at the Panama Canal by the year 2023.

Ernesto Araujo, Brazil’s former foreign minister, has previously spoken to The Epoch Times. “The big picture here doesn’t look good.”

This report was compiled by Reuters