Saudia seeks US stand against Iran 'interference'

Riyadh and its neighbours believe Iran's nuclear deal will only embolden their Shia regional rival

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's leaders sought assurances on Wednesday that the United States stands firmly against Iranian "interference" in the Middle East, during a visit by US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter.

Carter arrived as part of a Middle East tour trying to allay the concerns of US allies that Iran could still be able to develop an atomic weapon despite an agreement reached this month between Tehran and six major powers led by Washington.

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter (C) arrives on an E4-B military aircraft at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on July 22, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

Sunni-ruled Gulf states are wary of the overtures to Tehran by Washington, their traditional defence partner.

Riyadh and its neighbours believe the deal will only embolden their Shia regional rival, whom they accuse of meddling in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

Read: Saudi Arabia considers its own nuclear options after Iran deal

Under the nuclear deal, which ended a 13-year standoff, Iran is to reduce its nuclear capabilities including the number of uranium centrifuges.

International monitors will supervise the process, which in exchange will reduce sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter (C) is greeted by Todd Holmstrom, US Consul General (R) and Saudi assistant minister of defence Mohammad Al-Ayesh (L) as he arrives on an E4-B military aircraft at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddahon July 22, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

Saudi Arabia and Israel are "on the same page" with their concerns about the agreement, a Western diplomatic source said.

The deal would see Iran's oil exports gradually resume and billions of dollars in frozen assets unblocked.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who Carter met on Tuesday, has voiced fears the nuclear deal will help fund Iranian "aggression."

The Saudis also "think it's a mistake," although "they don't say it as loud and as publicly as the Israelis," said the source.

Read: Iran won't accept curbs beyond 10 years, says negotiator

There are worries the Iran deal could spark a nuclear race in the Middle East.

The diplomatic source said Riyadh would not hesitate if it feels Tehran is violating the international agreement and pursuing an atomic weapon.

"It will be very quick and very easy" for Saudi Arabia to get a nuclear capability, the source said, though other analysts have disputed how fast the kingdom could go nuclear.

Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir last week warned Iran not to use the economic benefits of the nuclear agreement to fund "adventures in the region."

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter (R) is greeted by Saudi assistant minister of defence Mohammad Al-Ayesh (C) as Tim Lenderking, US Embassy deputy chief of mission, stands next to them upon his arrival on an E4-B military aircraft at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on July 22, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

If it does, "we're committed to confront it resolutely," said Jubeir, whose country is the world's biggest oil exporter.

In June, France and Saudi Arabia announced a feasibility study for building two nuclear reactors in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has also reached accords this year with Russia and South Korea on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Along with its own nuclear projects, Riyadh is building alliances beyond its ties with Washington in order to counter Tehran, under a more assertive foreign policy adopted since King Salman acceded to the throne in January.

Two months later the kingdom organised an Arab coalition to conduct air strikes against Iran-backed rebels seizing territory in neighbouring Yemen.

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter (2nd from R), joined by Todd Holmstrom, US Consul General (L) and Saudi assistant minister of defence Mohammad Al-Ayesh (R), shakes hands with Saudi Arabian Western Region Commander Maj. Gen. Saad bin Ali Al-Qarni as he arrives on an E4-B military aircraft at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddahon July 22, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

The US has provided aerial refuelling, intelligence and other assistance to that Saudia-led alliance.

Since late last year Saudi Arabia has also been part of a US-led coalition bombing the Islamic State group which has occupied large parts of Iraq and Syria.

The extremist group has committed widespread atrocities there and inspired attacks around the world, including in Saudi Arabia.

Carter is trying to respond to regional concerns about Iran by proposing intensified military cooperation with its long-time allies.

With the Saudis, there will be talk of training special forces, cyber security, anti-missile defence and other issues, a US defence official said.

Read: Iran's Zarif defends nuclear deal, tells MPs "we did our best"

Carter was to hold talks with Salman, followed by a meeting with Salman's powerful son Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is defence minister and second-in-line to the throne.

The US defence secretary is to return mid-afternoon to Jordan, another member of the anti-IS coalition.

On Tuesday, he told coalition military personnel at a Jordanian air base that the US and Israel had a "common commitment to countering Iranian malign influence in the region".