WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed maritime security, Iran and Yemen with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Wednesday.
“The secretary discussed heightened tensions in the region and the need for stronger maritime security in order to promote freedom of navigation,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.
Iran has seized three tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters in less than a month, and the United States has accused it of carrying out multiple attacks on ships in the region.
The US has been struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships traveling through the Gulf, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran.
Ortagus also said that the top US diplomat and the crown prince “discussed other bilateral and regional developments, including countering the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activities.”
Saudi crown prince, Pompeo discuss maritime security, Iran
Saudi crown prince, Pompeo discuss maritime security, Iran
- Tensions have heightened after attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf
Saudi foreign minister discusses Gaza and West Bank situation with Palestinian vice president
- Talks included the dire humanitarian conditions faced by Gaza’s residents and Israel’s ongoing violations of the ceasefire there
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank during a meeting with the Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Talks included the dire humanitarian conditions faced by Gaza’s residents, Israel’s ongoing violations of the ceasefire there, and the Israeli escalation in the West Bank, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials highlighted the importance of ensuring the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, releasing Palestinian Authority funds, protecting the Palestinian banking system, the implementation of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, and the Kingdom’s support for a reform program launched by President Mahmoud Abbas.
They also discussed continuing efforts to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the formation of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
