The US reiterated its full commitment to ensuring Saudi Arabia can defend itself against threats, especially the attacks launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militias.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Pentagon spokesperson Navy Commander Jessica L. McNulty stressed Saudi Arabia's right to defend its territory, reaffirming Washington's support in this regard.
McNulty strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, saying they undermine international efforts to build peace.
This came after Saudi Arabia revealed a new proposal for a ceasefire to war in Yemen, which the US has welcomed.
Earlier on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, during which he confirmed US commitment to supporting the defense of Saudi Arabia against attacks launched by Iranian-aligned groups in the region, especially the Houthis.
Also, senior adviser with the CSIS International Security Program Mark Cancian told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom has all it needs to defend itself against attacks that threaten its national security.
He also commended Saudi Arabia's air-defense systems, saying that the Kingdom possesses excellent defense tools, including Patriot antimissile systems.
According to Cancian, Saudi Arabia has plans to purchase US air defense systems to intercept drones and missiles that were used to defend the US embassy in Baghdad.
"If the US did not provide Saudi Arabia with weapons, the Kingdom could purchase them from France, China, or even Russia," he noted.
