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Pentagon chief seeks to reassure concerned Middle East allies - Reuters
Nov 20, 2021 59 secs
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sought on Saturday to reassure allies in the Middle East that President Joe Biden's administration was committed to the region despite Washington increasingly turning its attention towards countering China.

It was unclear how much impact Austin's speech would have with Washington's allies in the Middle East, since it was not backed by any announcements of further deployments or new weapon sales in the region.

In a speech in Bahrain during a trip to the Gulf, Austin acknowledged concern in the region and globally that the United States was solely focussed on China's challenge.

"Let's be clear: America's commitment to security in the Middle East is strong and sure," Austin said.

He said the United States was committed to countering Iran, even as Washington works to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

But if Iran isn't willing to engage seriously, then we will look at all the options necessary to keep the United States secure," Austin said.

defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Austin was not expected to make new commitments in the region during his trip.

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