Harris's Foreign Policy Stance on Saudi Arabia and Iran Raises Concerns for Experts

Vice President Kamala Harris's past criticism of Saudi Arabia and support for Iran nuclear diplomacy have prompted experts to speculate on her potential foreign policy approach towards the Middle East if she becomes president.

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Harris's Foreign Policy Stance on Saudi Arabia and Iran Raises Concerns for Experts

Vice President Kamala Harris's limited public statements on foreign policy have sparked speculation and concerns among experts regarding her potential approach to the Middle East if she were to become president. In particular, her past criticism of Saudi Arabia and support for Iran nuclear diplomacy have raised questions about how she might balance US alliances with safeguarding human rights and countering regional threats.

Harris's stance on Saudi Arabia stems from her vocal opposition to the kingdom's human rights record, including the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. As a 2020 presidential candidate, she backed a Senate bill demanding a public report on the incident and called for a "fundamental reevaluation" of the US-Saudi relationship. She has also expressed outright opposition to weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.

In contrast, President Biden approved a substantial arms deal with the Saudis in 2022, and earlier this month, resumed offensive weapons sales. This move was seen as a way to counter Iran's growing influence in the region, despite ongoing concerns about Saudi Arabia's role in the Yemen conflict.

Experts believe that a Harris presidency could potentially strain US-Saudi relations. Gerard Fillitti, senior counsel at the Lawfare Project, suggests that Harris may not fully understand the complexities of the Saudi relationship and the need for Saudi Arabia as a buffer against Iranian aggression. He argues that Harris's support for ending US support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen and her opposition to weapons sales could lead to a "fraught relationship" between the US and its partners in the region.

Harris's views on Iran also differ from the current administration's approach. She has expressed support for rejoining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Harris believes the Trump administration's withdrawal from the JCPOA was reckless and has called for a return to diplomacy with Iran.

Experts predict that a Harris presidency could lead to a softening of the US stance towards Iran. Firas Maksad, senior director at the Middle East Institute, believes Harris would be more lenient toward Iran's regional activities in favor of prioritizing a deal on the nuclear program. He suggests that Harris may even "turn a blind eye" to Iran's abuses in pursuit of denuclearization talks.

The Biden administration has poured cold water on the idea of returning to the JCPOA, stating they are far from any negotiations. However, the supreme leader of Iran has signaled a willingness to resume talks, raising questions about how a Harris administration would approach this issue.

In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris's past statements on foreign policy have raised concerns among experts about her potential approach towards Saudi Arabia and Iran if she were to become president. Her criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record and support for Iran nuclear diplomacy could significantly impact US alliances and the balance of power in the Middle East. While the Biden administration has maintained a strong partnership with Saudi Arabia, it remains to be seen how Harris would navigate these complex relationships if she were to take office.