Carter and the King

Defense Secretary Ash Carter met today with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, and Deputy Crown Prince ‎and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman to reassure the Saudis that the United States remained committed to their security in the wake of a historic nuclear deal with Iran, according to a Pentagon statement.

"The leaders affirmed the longtime security partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, discussing a range of issues pertaining to both nations' mutual security interests, including checking Iranian destabilizing activities in the region and countering violent extremism from groups like ISIL," according to the Pentagon.

"Building on commitments made at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit hosted by President Obama at Camp David this past May, Secretary Carter spoke to a number of areas where the United States and Saudi Arabia can deepen their security cooperation for the benefit of both countries, such as enhancing training for special operations and counterterrorism forces, integrating air and missile defense systems, bolstering cyber defenses, and strengthening maritime security," the statement continued.