Should Washington stand by Arab allies ?

Saudi Arabia is optimistic about its relations with the United States under the new administration of President Joe Biden, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said.

The initial appointments made by President Biden “showed an understanding of the common issues,” said Prince Faisal. “The Biden administration will see that we have common goals with regards to the situation in Yemen”.

On the Iranian nuclear deal, the Saudi foreign minister that President Biden also said Gulf allies and Israel would be included in any future talks that focused on Iran's nuclear capabilities as well as its ballistic missiles and malign regional activity.

The previous Iran deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was “weak” because there was a lack of coordination with the countries in the region, Prince Faisal added.

However, Arab states of the Gulf gave a cautious welcome to new US President Joe Biden amid uncertainty over whether he will seek to re-engage with regional rival Iran.

Gulf countries, though optimistic, wonder whether the Biden administration would stand by Washington’s Arab allies or renew with their enemies.