There can be no doubt about President Joe Biden’s commitment to the defense of partners in the Middle East, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said.

In a statement released on Friday by the White House, Sullivan mentioned that as Ramadan approaches, “We welcome the proactive diplomacy underway with our friends and partners across the Middle East region.” He added that these efforts help “President Biden’s agenda of forging a more secure and integrated Middle East region through a combination of deterrence against adversaries and diplomacy wherever possible…”

Sullivan went on to praise the summit held earlier in the week between the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Bahrain and Egypt with the participation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying the plan is to expand this circle of partners.

He also mentioned sanctions designation this week against a procurement network for Iran’s missile program, adding that “We will continue to use all appropriate authorities to hold Iran and its proxy groups accountable for threats against our friends and partners.”

The statement also highlighted terror attacks in Israel and said, “President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Bennett on Wednesday and offered all appropriate assistance in the wake of these barbarous attacks against innocent civilian. Our entire administration stand behind our Israeli allies as they work to confront threats to their citizens.”