US rejects notion it is disengaged from Middle East after Saudi-Iran deal | Al Arabiya English

The State Department has said that its role in the Middle East remains strong and Washington remains “deeply engaged” in the region despite the recent China-backed deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to normalize ties.

After a surprise announcement last week about the agreement, the Biden administration was heavily criticized for what was seen as a lack of interest in the Middle East and for allowing Beijing to pounce on the opportunity to make an unprecedented diplomatic gain in the region.