Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a critical Middle East tour on Monday, facing a volatile region with escalating tensions in several key areas. His first stop: Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed post-war Gaza governance, potential Israel-Saudi normalization, and the simmering threat from Iran.
Blinken’s visit comes amidst heightened regional anxieties. Recent drone strikes in Jordan killed American troops, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed militias. Meanwhile, hostage negotiations over 130 captives in Gaza remain ongoing, potentially paving the way for a humanitarian ceasefire.
Discussions on a Saudi-Israeli normalization agreement, temporarily stalled but recently revived, could be further propelled by the hostage situation and a potential ceasefire. However, bridging the gap between Israeli security demands and Palestinian aspirations for an independent state remains a major challenge.
Blinken’s mission extends beyond immediate concerns. He aims to reaffirm the Biden administration’s commitment to de-escalation and avoid a wider conflict with Iran.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and I met in Riyadh to discuss efforts to increase urgent humanitarian aid and ensure it gets to those who need it in Gaza. We will continue to engage in diplomacy in the region to prevent the further spread of the conflict. pic.twitter.com/hJ94ZtED6Y
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 5, 2024