U.S. Backs China-Led Iran-Saudi Deal But Worries About Chinese Influence

The White House has signaled support for the newly announced China-brokered deal to reestablish ties between rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia but also expressed concern over growing Chinese influence in the Middle East and other parts of the world in the wake of Beijing's milestone.

Addressing questions by reporters during a virtual call Friday, National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said the U.S. had been kept informed by Saudi Arabia throughout the negotiations process leading up to the deal, and that Washington would "support any effort to deescalate tensions there in the region."

He said the historic agreement came in line with U.S. interests and took credit for the United States' own policies in the outcome.