Despite Iran concern, US signals caution to Saudis
WASHINGTON: Despite President Donald Trump’s full-throated support for Saudi Arabia, the United States appears to be signalling a desire for Riyadh to take a more cautious approach in its regional power struggle with Iran, experts say.
The Trump administration, which shares Saudi Arabia’s view of Iran as a regional menace, has strongly backed the kingdom in the wake of a failed missile attack from Iran-aligned forces in Yemen that demonstrated an ability to strike the Saudi capital.
Trump has cultivated much warmer ties with the Saudis after a fraught relationship with the Obama administration — he made Riyadh his first stop on his maiden international trip — and has vowed to take strong action to confront Iran. Nevertheless, Washington, which has US forces in Syria and Iraq, is telegraphing a more tempered stance toward the confrontation.
On Thursday, the state department called for “unimpeded access” for humanitarian aid to Yemen, after Saudi Arabia imposed a blockade on the country to stem the flow of arms to Iran-aligned Houthi fighters.
A day later, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson made clear he still recognised Hariri as Lebanon’s prime minister.
Two US officials said the Saudis, led by Crown Prince Mohammed, had “encouraged” Hariri to leave office and Lebanese officials say he is being held in Saudi Arabia, a charge Riyadh denies.
In a statement on Saturday, the White House said it “rejects any efforts by militias within Lebanon or by any foreign forces to threaten Lebanon’s stability...or use Lebanon as a base from which to threaten others in the region.”
The US regularly criticizes Iran and Hezbollah for their role in Lebanon. Tillerson’s backing of Hariri contrasted sharply with the approach taken by Saudi Arabia, which has lumped Lebanon with Hezbollah as parties hostile to it.
The Saudi actions coincide with an anti-corruption purge by the country’s future king that tightened his grip on power.
Former and current U.S. officials with deep knowledge of Saudi Arabia say Trump’s enthusiastic support for Prince Mohammed has emboldened the youthful Saudi leader.
Tillerson told reporters the purge appeared “well intended” but the mass arrests, which have swept up officials long known in Washington, also fuelled US concerns. “It raises a few concerns until we see more clearly how these particular individuals are dealt with,” Tillerson added.