US Secretary of State John Kerry brought the Obama administration’s case for the Iran nuclear deal to wary Arab officials in Qatar on Monday.
Kerry was meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the six-member bloc of Sunni-ruled Gulf Arab nations that fear Shiite Iran’s increasing assertiveness in the region and the implications of the agreement. In addition to Iran, the ongoing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen were high on the agenda.
Opening the meeting, Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid al-Attiya said the gathering was being held in “very exceptional circumstances and challenges that have been unprecedented.”
“We are facing many challenges in our communities and we are aiming to achieve peace and security and stability with the help of the United States,” he said.
Gulf Arabs hail deal, but seek further assurance
Doha: Gulf Arab states are welcoming the Nuclear deal negotiated between Iran and world powers but are seeking further assurances about how to counter Iranian assertiveness in the region.
Speaking for the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, Qatar’s Foreign Minister said on Monday that the bloc had been pleased by a presentation of the agreement from US Secretary of State John Kerry. On that basis, he said the council welcomed the deal.