Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are pressing Washington to expand the scope of security cooperation to include intelligence sharing and conducting more joint training and security operations, according to the "Financial Times" newspaper.

Sources from Abu Dhabi told the newspaper that the United Arab Emirates has requested the United States to approve a "security commitment" that would include enhancing intelligence sharing, more training, and joint operations.

Sources from Riyadh said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also seeking greater security commitments, including intelligence cooperation and operational support to confront the threats of the "Ansar Allah Houthi" movement, which regularly carries out missile strikes and drone attacks.

The newspaper stated that "Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have long been considered vital partners of the United States; relations have been strained with President Joe Biden's administration, and they have resisted U.S. pressure to increase crude oil production to help lower high oil prices and take a tougher stance" against the Russian military operation in Ukraine.

One person familiar with the discussions said, "The message the Saudis and Emiratis are sending to the U.S. president is that they will reengage with the United States if it has a plan. The Gulf countries will be more inclined to cooperate with the United States if Biden helps them solve their security problems with Iran, for example, and the rebels in Yemen."

An American official pointed out that when Biden spoke to King Salman last month, "They set a positive bilateral agenda from climate to security to energy cooperation," explaining that "Since then, the teams of the two countries have been in contact at all levels, and we are committed to working to help the Saudis strengthen their defenses."

A source familiar with the situation revealed that "The United Kingdom has been encouraging rapprochement between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," emphasizing "the need for Saudi Arabia regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, energy, and Iran in the nuclear talks."

He added: "The rapprochement between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could have a positive impact. While the United States understands this politically, it is very difficult for Biden to completely reverse course."
The source: "Financial Times"