Egypt, Jordan, Gulf, US to form Middle East Strategic Alliance: Saudi FM

By: Nawal Sayed

CAIRO, Dec. 9 (SEE) - Gulf States, Egypt and Jordan discussed with the United States ways to implement new regional "security measures" against external threats, according to Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir.

In a press conference held Sunday in Riyadh, Jubeir said  "Our goal is to reach security measures that shall protect theMiddle East from external threats and boost relations with the U.S."

Gulf Countries held the 39th GCC summit on

Sunday in Riyadh with the participation of all Gulf States' Leaders, except

Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad who did not attend the event.

In response to media reports about an Arab-American military alliance against Iran, Jubeir added that "There are continuous talks between Gulf States and the U.S. on this issue."

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds a chart of military hardware sales as he welcomes Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 20, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

"Egypt and Jordan may join the Middle East

Strategic Alliance (MESA)," Jubeir noted.

Earlier, media reports anticipated formation of an Arab-American alliance to fight against Iran. Some reports said it will be anew NATO.

“MESA will serve as a bulwark against Iranian aggression, terrorism, extremism, and will bring stability to the Middle East,” a spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council told Reuters in July.

Similar initiatives by previous U.S. administrations to develop a more formal alliance with Gulf and Arab allies have failed in the past.