US 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. "Let's be clear: America's commitment to security in the Middle East is strong and sure," Austin said.He said the US 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. The Pentagon chief said that Washington would be coming to the indirect negotiations on reviving the deal starting on November 29 in Vienna in good faith. "There's dismay that the United States is on its way out the door.

Source: Economic Times November 20, 2021 21:53 UTC