CIA director says US “blindsided” over Riyadh opening to Syria, Iran
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – In an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia, CIA Director Bill Burns conveyed his country’s frustration over thawing ties between Saudi Arabia on one hand and Syria and Iran on the other under rivals’ mediation [Russia and China], al-Monitor reported on April 7.
“Director Burns traveled to Saudi Arabia where he met with intelligence counterparts and country leaders on issues of shared interest,” a US official told al-Monitor on condition of anonymity.
Burns discussed intelligence cooperation, especially in the area of counterterrorism, and he met the country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“He told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the US has felt blindsided by Riyadh’s rapprochement with Iran and Syria,” al-Monitor cited a report by the Wall Street Journal as saying on April 6.
On March 10, following days of intensive talks in Beijing, Iran and Saudi agreed under Chinese mediation to thaw relations and to reopen their embassies in each other’s country ending years of diplomatic rift.
While in Syria and according to reports Russia is mediating to restore relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia.
Syria and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reopen their embassies after cutting diplomatic ties more than a decade ago, media outlets reported on March 23.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s leadership is planning to invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to an Arab League summit in Riyadh on May 19.