Kerry visits Saudi Arabia on Iran nuclear deal mission
- 9 years ago
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is making diplomatic moves in Saudi Arabia as he tries to secure support for a potential nuclear deal with Iran.
With more, we turn to Paul Yi at the News Center.
Paul, there are many groups that strongly oppose this deal, chief among them being Israel.
So the big question is... why is Saudi Arabia considered a crucial player in making this deal happen?
Well, policy experts say convincing Saudi Arabia to accept any nuclear pact is important to President Obama... because he needs Riyadh's cooperation on a host of other regional issues -- that includes moderating U.S influence in those rich, oil markets.
Kerry arrived in the Saudi Arabian capital on Thursday... and will likely try to reassure King Salman that the Iran nuclear agreement will be in his nation's interests.
This despite fears among Arab nations that it may boost Tehran's backing of Shi'ite Muslim groups in the region.
Ahead of his arrival, Kerry stressed the emerging deal remained the best option on the table.
"And most importantly, as President Obama said yesterday, we know that no one has presented a more viable, lasting alternative for how you actually prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. So folks, simply demanding that Iran capitulate is not a plan, and nor would any of our P5+1 partners support us in that position."
Kerry made the remarks after wrapping up three days of nuclear talks in Switzerland with his Iranian counterpart... Mohammad Jawad Zarif.
The two diplomats are set to meet again on March 15th with the deadline fast approaching for the current nuclear accord between Iran and six world powers.
With more, we turn to Paul Yi at the News Center.
Paul, there are many groups that strongly oppose this deal, chief among them being Israel.
So the big question is... why is Saudi Arabia considered a crucial player in making this deal happen?
Well, policy experts say convincing Saudi Arabia to accept any nuclear pact is important to President Obama... because he needs Riyadh's cooperation on a host of other regional issues -- that includes moderating U.S influence in those rich, oil markets.
Kerry arrived in the Saudi Arabian capital on Thursday... and will likely try to reassure King Salman that the Iran nuclear agreement will be in his nation's interests.
This despite fears among Arab nations that it may boost Tehran's backing of Shi'ite Muslim groups in the region.
Ahead of his arrival, Kerry stressed the emerging deal remained the best option on the table.
"And most importantly, as President Obama said yesterday, we know that no one has presented a more viable, lasting alternative for how you actually prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. So folks, simply demanding that Iran capitulate is not a plan, and nor would any of our P5+1 partners support us in that position."
Kerry made the remarks after wrapping up three days of nuclear talks in Switzerland with his Iranian counterpart... Mohammad Jawad Zarif.
The two diplomats are set to meet again on March 15th with the deadline fast approaching for the current nuclear accord between Iran and six world powers.