Pompeo says u s backs saudi arabias right to defend itself

On February 25, 2020, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement saying that the United States supports Saudi Arabia's right to defend itself against any threats. This statement came in response to the Iranian missile and drone attack on Saudi oil facilities on February 24, 2020, which was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, but widely attributed to Iran.

Pompeo's statement read:

"The United States supports the right of Saudi Arabia to defend its sovereignty and its people against Iranian aggression. The attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities is a clear example of Iran's destabilizing behavior in the region. We will continue to work closely with our partners in the region to ensure the security and stability of the region."

This statement was seen as a strong show of support for Saudi Arabia and a warning to Iran against any further aggression. The US has been a long-time ally of Saudi Arabia and has provided significant military and economic support to the kingdom.

It's worth noting that the US has been involved in a long-standing conflict in Yemen, supporting a Saudi-led coalition against the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. The conflict has been marked by widespread humanitarian suffering and has been criticized by human rights groups and other countries.

Pompeo's statement was seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, and came at a time of heightened tensions in the region. The US had already imposed sanctions on Iran in response to its nuclear program and had withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018.