US, Saudi defense chiefs discuss strengthening ties

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed his Saudi Arabian counterpart Monday at the Pentagon to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

During his meeting with Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, Hegseth highlighted the importance of the partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia.

The US partnership with Saudi Arabia "matters a great deal," Hegseth said.

"Today, our relationship is a critical center of gravity in a very turbulent world," he added, stressing that he wants to continue deepening and strengthening the partnership to pursue security and prosperity for both Americans and Saudis.

Asked if the US would help defend Saudi Arabia against an attack by Iran, Hegseth said "that's a topic we're going to talk about today. Iran is a big concern in the region."

When asked why he picked an "underqualified" retired lieutenant general to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he said: "I'm going to choose to reject your 'unqualified' question."

President Donald Trump announced late Friday that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Brown, was being fired.

”I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He said he would nominate Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.