The US defense secretary, Chuck Hagel, is opening the door for the US to sell missile defense and other weapons systems to the US-friendly Gulf nation. The move is intended to help counter Iran's ballistic missiles, at a time when global players are moving towards a nuclear deal with Tehran.In a speech addressed to Gulf leaders Hagel made it clear that the emerging agreement that would limit Iran's nuclear program did not mean the security threat from Tehran was over.Hagel was countering apprehension in the Gulf region that the Iran nuclear deal, coupled with US budget pressures and the drawdown in Afghanistan, could signal a decline in America's commitment to the region. The US defense secretary assured that the Pentagon "will place even more emphasis on building the capacity of the States partners in order to complement their strong military presence in the region". Hagel said the nations are stronger when they work together against common threats.
Recently the US Department of Defense has granted Saudi Arabia approval for purchasing of thousands of anti-tank missiles.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress that Riyadh will be given permission to buy 14,000 tube-launched, optically tracked missiles and other weapons in two separate deals valued at nearly $1.1 billion dollars. Saudi Arabia will also eventually receive more than 1,700 similar missiles.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed sale would contribute to the national security of the United States by helping to improve security and political stability in the Middle East.
In addition to keeping a robust US force in place, Hagel vowed to bolster the military strength of Gulf states while pursuing major joint exercises and training.
He proposed a new initiative that would allow the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, to qualify to purchase US weapons as an organization.
The idea is to encourage closer security cooperation among the Gulf states, especially on missile defense, Hagel said. Washington for years has tried to persuade the Gulf governments to forge a common missile defense network to counter Irans growing missile arsenal but the effort has produced mixed results.
The Pentagon "will work with the GCC on better integration of its members missile defense capabilities," Hagel said.
By The Voice Of Russia
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