Middle East Allies Call for Stronger US Role as China Gains Ground, While Prospects for Iran Negotiations Dim

House Intelligence Committee leaders from both parties, Republican Chairman Mike Turner and ranking Democrat Rep. Jim Himes, revealed that Israel, Jordan, and Egypt are urging the United States to have a stronger role in the Middle East amid growing concerns of a nuclear Iran and an increased Chinese footprint. The three countries expressed the significance of their relations with the U.S. and called the alliance "indispensable," making clear they would much rather work with the U.S. than with China or Russia. Netanyahu believes Iran can be deterred if the country thinks military action will be taken against them, with a chilling effect of such prospects then imposed on Iran and stalling their program as a result.