US defense chief pledges to confront Iran during visit to Bahrain | Joe Biden News

Lloyd Austin wants to reassure allies in the Middle East that President Biden’s administration is committed to the region.

The top U.S. defense official has pledged to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon as negotiations over the frying pan of Tehran’s nuclear deal with world power remain stalled in comments aimed at calming Arab allies in the U.S. Gulf.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s comments in Saturday’s Manama Interview came in Bahrain while the Biden administration was trying. revitalize the nuclear deal, Iran restricted uranium enrichment in exchange for the removal of economic sanctions.

His notes also come later Chaotic withdrawal from the US From Afghanistan, raising concerns among Gulf countries about Washington’s commitment to the region, U.S. defense officials say they want to turn forces to address the perceived challenges from China and Russia.

“The US remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. And we remain committed to a diplomatic outcome to the nuclear issue, ”Austin said at an event hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“But if Iran is not willing to participate seriously, we will look at all the options needed to keep the United States safe.”

The Pentagon chief said the U.S. would reach indirect negotiations to revive the deal on November 29 in good faith.

Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful, although U.S. intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency say Tehran had a weapons program organized until 2003.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday.

Transformation of forces

Since then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the U.S. nuclear deal in Iran in 2018, a number of escalating incidents have hit the wider region. This includes drone and mine attacks on ships, as well as attacks on Iran and its representatives in Iraq and Syria. The US too He killed an Iranian general In early 2020 in Baghdad, Iran attacked Iraqi American troops with ballistic missiles.

Under Biden’s command, U.S. military officials are considering reshuffling forces from the Middle East to other areas, although it still maintains a strong presence at bases across the region. Austin suggested this in his notes, saying, “Our potential blow includes what our friends can contribute and what we can put in and quickly shed.”

“Our friends and enemies know that the United States can unleash tremendous power at the time and place we choose,” Austin said.

It was unclear how much the Austin talks with the Middle East allies would have an impact, as no further expansion or predictions of new arms sales in the region were accepted.

A senior U.S. defense official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Austin did not expect to make any new travel commitments in the region.

Saudi Arabia, one of the United States’ closest allies in the region, has been frustrated by Biden’s approach to the region.

The White House has called on Saudi Arabia to push for a better human rights record, including the release of political prisoners, such as women’s rights defenders.

Austin was scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia in September but the trip was delayed at the last minute. He will not visit Riyadh on this trip.